Offer to Rejoin Patriots Turned Down by Francis
Veteran tight end Russ Francis, a first-round draft pick by New England in 1975 but a member of the San Francisco 49ers since 1982 before being waived Wednesday, has turned down an offer to rejoin the Patriots, the team announced.
Francis met with Coach Raymond Berry and General Manager Patrick Sullivan but decided not to accept New England’s offer because of personal considerations, Sullivan said Friday.
Francis, 6 feet 6 inches and 245 pounds, had 22 catches for 202 yards with the 49ers this season before he was placed on injured reserve Dec. 4 because of a bad back. He has caught 40 touchdown passes in his career, including 28 with the Patriots, and has a total of 5,101 yards receiving for an average of 15.3 yards a catch.
The Patriots also said 12-year veteran center Pete Brock, who sprained a ligament in his right knee Nov. 3 and underwent a diagnostic arthroscope six days later, was activiated for Sunday’s game at Buffalo.
To make room for Brock on the roster, the Patriots put fullback Bruce Hansen on injured reserve with a sprained left ankle.
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