New England Patriots finalize 53-man roster
Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham were waived by the Patriots
The New England Patriots have finalized their 53-man roster. The most notable cuts include Quarterbacks Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham. The team also released running back J.J. Taylor.
The only trade New England made today was sending veteran kicker Nick Folk to the Tennessee Titans for a seventh-round pick. The Patriots already acquired offensive lineman Tyrone Wheatley Jr. and Vederian Lowe earlier this week.
Zappe was thought to be a lock for the backup quarterback spot coming into training camp. The 24-year-old played well in two regular season games in place of starter Mac Jones while he was hurt with an ankle injury. His best game was against the Cleveland Browns when he was 24-for-34 with 309 yards and two touchdowns.
Zappe struggled in his final preseason game, playing deep into the fourth quarter. He completed only 8-of-15 passes with 57 yards and took four sacks.
Cunningham became the most fascinating roster bubble player for the Patriots in the preseason. His running ability at quarterback opened up eyes as the undrafted rookie tried to make the team. The former Louisville product rushed six times for 39 total yards and a touchdown in the preseason.
Cunningham saw reps at wide receiver, he had one catch despite being targeted nine times in the preseason. The best case scenario for the Patriots is that Cunningham and Zappe clears waivers and the Patriots sign them to their practice squad.
The trade of Folk means that rookie kicker Chad Ryland will be the starter. Ryland kicked for Eastern Michigan and Maryland before being drafted in the fourth-round in this years NFL Draft.
Ryland will be paired with rookie punter Bryce Barringer, making them the first drafted rookie kicking pair since the Oakland Raiders had Sebastian Janikowksi and Shane Lechler back in 2000.
Taylor would have added an extra playmaker to the backfield, but the Patriots are comfortable with riding with two running backs in Rhomandre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott.
Taylor’s biggest game was against the Green Bay Packers this preseason. He had 4 carries for 29 yards and added three catches for 27 yards. He also saw time as returner in the final game against the Titans.
Here is the full breakdown of the initial 53 man roster:
QB (1): Mac Jones
RB (2): Rhomandre Stevenson, Ezekiel Elliott
WR (6): Devante Parker, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Tyquan Thornton
TE (2): Hunter Henry, Mike Gesicki
OL (11): Trent Brown, Cole Strange, Michael Onwenu, David Andrews, Jake Andrews, Riley Reiff, Calvin Anderson, Atonio Mafi, Tyrone Wheatley Jr., Vedarian Lowe, Sidy Sow
DL (7): Davon Godchaux, Christian Barmore, Lawrence Guy, Sam Roberts, Daniel Ekuale, Deatrich Wise, Keion White
EDGE (3): Matthew Judon, Josh Uche, Anfernee Jennings
LB (4): Ja’Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavi, Marte Mapu, Mack Wilson
CB (6): Christian Gonzalez, Jack Jones, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Myles Bryant, Shaun Wade
Safety (4): Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, Jalen Mills, Jabrill Peppers
Special Teamers (4): Matthew Slater, Brendan Schooler, Chris Board, Ameer Speed
Kicking Unit (3): K Chad Ryland, P Bryce Baringer, LS Joe Cardona
PUP List: Cody Davis, Trey Flowers
IR: Connor McDermott, Isaiah bolden
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