Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots rearranged their quarterback depth chart before their Week 6 game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
The Patriots activated Malik Cunningham and elevated him to the backup quarterback spot behind starter Mac Jones. In doing so, Bailey Zappe was demoted to third-string while Will Grier was deemed inactive. Previously, Zappe served as Jones’ backup with Grier as New England’s emergency third signal-caller.
The Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed offered some insight into the team’s thought process of doing so.
Kyed expressed that it’s an “upside play” on Cunningham’s athleticism.