Arrr, Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham, scallywags they be, returnin' to the Patriots' crew after walkin' the plank!
2023-08-30
Avast ye, mateys! Belay yer ears! Bailey Zappe and the scurvy dog Malik Cunningham, a rookie of no draft, have been cast away by the Patriots on Tuesday. But fear not, for they have been reclaimed and placed in the team's practice squad. Arrr, a twist of fate indeed!
In a twist of fate, Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham are set to return to the New England Patriots' practice squad after being waived just a day earlier, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Patriots were required to reduce their roster to 53 players, leaving third-year quarterback Mac Jones as the only signal caller on the active roster.Both Zappe and Cunningham cleared waivers and will now head back to Foxborough, where they will likely serve as backups to Jones on game days. Zappe, who started two games last year in place of an injured Jones, was a fourth-round draft pick out of Western Kentucky in 2022. Cunningham, on the other hand, went undrafted after playing for Louisville.
Despite the return of Zappe and Cunningham, the Patriots may still look to add other players to their quarterback room, according to ESPN. Coach Bill Belichick had previously stated that the team would continue to make adjustments to its roster in the coming days.
Last season, Jones had a solid rookie performance but struggled in his second year, throwing 14 touchdowns against 11 interceptions in 14 games. The Patriots finished with an 8-9 record and failed to make the playoffs.
It's worth noting that the Patriots made an unconventional decision last year by not naming an official offensive coordinator. Instead, longtime defensive coach Matt Patricia handled the offensive side of the ball, with assistance from former special teams coach Joe Judge.
The Patriots will kick off the 2023 season against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 10.