Patriots release DL Ricky Jean Francois

The Patriots made a series of roster moves on Saturday, releasing defensive lineman Ricky Jean Francois and offensive lineman Jason King and promoting defensive end Geneo Grissom and wide receiver Bernard Reedy from the practice squad. Additionally, they signed defensive lineman Marcus Hardison to the practice squad.


The biggest move was likely the decision to release the 6-foot-3, 313-pound Jean Francois. The 31-year-old, who was added to the Patriots roster early last month, appeared in three games as a reserve for the Patriots and made three tackles.

As for Grissom, he returns for another stint on New England’s active roster. The 25-year-old defensive end who was originally selected by the Patriots in the third round of the 2015 draft has appeared in 29 games as a reserve over the last three seasons, and registered six tackles on defense and six special teams tackles.

Reedy, 26, was signed by New England late last month after a stint with the Bucs. The 5-foot-9, 175-pounder played in nine games this season for Tampa Bay and caught two passes for 21 yards and added 17 yards on three rushing attempts before being released on November 17.