Patriots elevate popular rookie ahead of Week 13 matchup against Chargers
The New England Patriots announced that they have elevated QB/WR Malik Cunningham to the active roster from the practice squad. This is only a standard elevation despite some reports that the Patriots would sign him to the 53-man roster. Because of this, Mac Jones cannot be designated as the emergency third quarterback. Bailey Zappe is […]
The New England Patriots announced that they have elevated QB/WR Malik Cunningham to the active roster from the practice squad.
This is only a standard elevation despite some reports that the Patriots would sign him to the 53-man roster.
Because of this, Mac Jones cannot be designated as the emergency third quarterback. Bailey Zappe is reportedly the starter, with Cunningham having a package of plays the team has been working on with him this week.
So that appears to make Jones the third-string quarterback regardless.
While the Patriots could elect to make Jones inactive, this is unlikely with The Athletic's Jeff Howe reporting on Friday that Jones is "unlikely to play, unless circumstances change during the game."
This is a tough blow for Jones who went from the starter to the third-string quarterback in one week.
Zappe seemed to get the job earlier this week after he was seen taking the majority of reps during the media-attended portion of practice, with Cunningham being rotated in. Jones and Will Grier did not take a single snap.
Cunningham provided a spark for the Patriots during the preseason, so let's see what he has up his sleeve on Sunday.
