The New England Patriots announced yesterday that five players had been downgraded to out in addition to tackle Will Svitek who had been declared out earlier in the week. That meant the team had to make one more player inactive for today's game against the Bills, and the has announced that the player is RB / KR Leon Washington.
The full list of inactives for the Patriots:
T Will Svitek
TE Rob Gronkowski
RB / KR Leon Washington
WR Aaron Dobson
S Duron Harmon
RB Brandon Bolden
S Nate Ebner
The Washington news is a bit surprising as the Patriots just signed him yesterday. As a vested veteran, his contract becomes fully guaranteed after today. The Patriots could have waited until Tuesday to sign him, but by signing him yesterday, they are on the hook for his salary the entire year.
In his absence, the Patriots are likely to use some combination of rookie receiver Josh Boyce, defensive back Devin McCourty, and running back LeGarrette Blount at kick returner.