A.J. Francis: Washington Redskins add DL to active roster

Oct. 20 (UPI) -- The Washington Redskins have added defensive lineman A.J. Francis to their 53-man active roster.

Washington announced the move on Thursday. The Redskins also placed rookie defensive lineman Jonathan Allen on injured reserve and signed defensive lineman Ondre Pipkins to their practice squad. Safety DeAngelo Hall's 21-day practice period also began on Thursday.

Allen is expected to be out for about eight weeks after undergoing Lisfranc foot surgery. Allen went down with the injury in the fourth quarter of the Redskins' win Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.

Francis, 27, made three appearances for the Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins during the 2015 season. He spent last season on the Redskins' active roster and practice squad but never appeared in a game for the franchise. He has two career combined tackles. Francis entered the NFL in 2013 with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted rookie free agent signing. He was later claimed and waived by the Patriots, before signing with the Dolphins again.

Francis, Ziggy Hood, Stacy McGee, Terrell McClain, Matt Ioannidis and Anthony Lanier II will man the Redskins' line in the absence of Allen.

Redskins coach Jay Gruden told reporters Thursday he could "absolutely" envision a scenario in which Allen returns this season.

"Lanier is a different animal," Gruden told reporters. "He's a good pass rusher, still young. Francis provides us some more depth as far as the interior, as far as nose guard is concerned. I don't know which combination we will use come Monday, but it is good to get A.J. back here. We liked him a lot. We let him go numbers-wise and then we are fortunate that he was on the streets so [we] brought him back."

The Redskins face the Philadelphia Eagles at 8:30 p.m. Monday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.