Patriots Release Malik Cunningham After Brief Roster Stint

Malik Cunningham’s stint on the Patriots’ 53-man roster lasted just 10 days.

New England on Tuesday waived the undrafted rookie quarterback/wide receiver, freeing up a roster spot.

The Patriots promoted Cunningham to the 53 from the practice squad last Saturday and surprisingly made him their primary backup QB for their Week 6 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Louisville product played just six snaps in that game and was a healthy scratch for Sunday’s win over the Buffalo Bills, with Bailey Zappe reclaiming his QB2 role behind starter Mac Jones.

The other 31 teams now will have a chance to claim Cunningham. If he clears waivers, he could stick around on the Patriots’ practice squad. Head coach Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien both had high praise for the athletic 25-year-old in recent weeks.

New England did not announce a corresponding roster move. One candidate to replace Cunningham on the roster is receiver Jalen Reagor, who played 40 offensive snaps over the last two weeks and is out of P-squad elevations.

The Patriots also released defensive end Trey Flowers from the physically unable to perform list. Flowers returned to practice three weeks ago and would have reverted to season-ending PUP on Wednesday if he was not activated. The three-time Super Bowl champion is another practice squad candidate, depending on where he is health-wise, and unlike Cunningham, he is not subject to waivers as a vested veteran.

New England is scheduled to hold its first Week 8 practice on Wednesday. The 2-5 Patriots are preparing to visit the 5-2 Miami Dolphins this Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium.