Patriots promote Josh Kline, cut A.J. Francis

The New England Patriots officially announced they've re-signed running back Leon Washington and signed offensive lineman Josh Kline.

The Patriots reached injury settlements with Jermaine Cunningham and Justin Francis, removing them from injured reserve.

Kline was promoted from the practice squad to active roster. Rookie defensive lineman A.J. Francis was cut, and offensive lineman Braxston Cave was signed to the practice squad.

Washington shares the NFL record with Josh Cribbs with eight career kickoff returns for touchdowns. He also tied an NFL record when he returned two kicks for a touchdown in a game against San Diego in 2010. Washington earned Pro Bowl honors in 2008 and 2012.

Washington has played in 103 NFL games with 14 starts and has registered 473 rushing attempts for 2,213 yards and 16 touchdowns, 146 receptions for 1,127 yards and two touchdowns. He has also returned 168 punts for 1,668 yards and 244 kickoffs for 6,315 yards and eight touchdowns.

Kline, 23, originally joined the Patriots as a rookie free agent out of Kent State on May 3, 2013 and was released on Sept. 2 before being re-signed to the practice squad on Sept. 4. The 6-foot-3, 295-pounder saw action at right guard, right tackle and on special teams during his college career at Kent State. He earned second-team All-MAC honors as a senior in 2012.

Cave, 24, was claimed off waivers by the Patriots from Cleveland on Sept. 1 and released on Sept. 5. The 6-foot-3, 305-pounder was originally signed by Cleveland as a rookie free agent out of Notre Dame on April 30, 2013. He was released by Cleveland on Aug. 30, 2013. Cave played in 48 games for Notre Dame, including 35 starts at center. He also served as the team’s long snapper.

Francis, 23, was claimed off waivers from Miami on Sept 1. He was originally signed by the Miami Dolphins as a rookie free agent out of Maryland on May 3. The 6-foot, 316-pounder was released by Miami on Aug. 31. He was a four-year letterman at Maryland and recorded 149 total tackles, 9 1/2 sacks and three blocked kicks.

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.