Title: New England Patriots Waive QB/WR Malik Cunningham After Signing to Roster
Introduction
The New England Patriots have made a surprising move, waiving rookie quarterback/receiver Malik Cunningham just 10 days after signing him to their active roster from the practice squad. This decision comes as the Patriots have been dealing with injuries and trying to ignite their offense. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Cunningham’s release and what it means for the team moving forward.
Cunningham’s Transition to a Dual-Threat Role
Malik Cunningham, who had a successful career as a quarterback at Louisville, made the transition to a dual-threat quarterback/receiver role in New England. The Patriots saw potential in his versatility and wanted him as part of their game-day roster against the Las Vegas Raiders. Instead of elevating Cunningham for the game and then reverting him back to the practice squad, they signed him to a three-year contract.
Cunningham’s Impact on the Field
In the Patriots’ recent game against the Raiders, Cunningham served as the backup quarterback and provided depth at receiver due to injuries. He played six snaps in the game, lining up at quarterback twice and wide receiver four times. Although he was sacked once and didn’t register any other statistics, offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien praised Cunningham’s performance, stating that he showed improvement each week.
The Decision to Waive Cunningham
Despite his potential and contributions in the previous game, the Patriots made Cunningham a healthy scratch in their next game against the Buffalo Bills. Bailey Zappe returned as the No. 2 quarterback, and Will Grier became the No. 3 emergency option. This decision ultimately led to Cunningham’s release from the team.
Future Prospects for Cunningham
While Cunningham has been waived by the Patriots, he remains a strong candidate to return to the practice squad if he clears waivers. The Patriots have been juggling their roster due to injuries, and Cunningham’s release may be a strategic move to create flexibility and make room for other players. If he does return to the practice squad, he will have the opportunity to continue developing his skills and potentially earn a spot on the active roster in the future.
The Release of Trey Flowers
In addition to Cunningham, the Patriots also released veteran defensive end Trey Flowers, who had been designated to return from injured reserve. This move indicates that the team is actively making changes to address their roster needs and improve their performance on both sides of the ball.
Conclusion
The New England Patriots’ decision to waive Malik Cunningham just 10 days after signing him to their active roster raises questions about their roster management and future plans. While Cunningham showed promise as a dual-threat quarterback/receiver, the team made the choice to prioritize other players for their upcoming games. However, there is still a possibility for Cunningham to return to the practice squad and continue his development. As the Patriots continue to navigate injuries and seek ways to spark their offense, it will be interesting to see how their roster evolves in the coming weeks.