6 rings: 3 matchups to watch in patriots vs. raiders
It appears that the rumors of a small shake up following Bill Belichick's 'starting over' comments may have been true.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Patriots have signed QB/WR hybrid Malik Cunningham to their active roster ahead of Sunday's game in Las Vegas.
This is different than a game-day elevation. Cunningham is now a member of their 53-man roster having agreed to a three-year deal. New England will have to make an additional roster move to accomadate the transaction.
The Patriots signed the former Louisville Cardinal quarterback as an undrafted free agent this past April to a contract that included $200,000, the most ever guaranteed to a UDFA by the team. After a promising preseason, he was released on August 29 and re-signed to the practice squad the following day.
It was reported by The Athletic's Jeff Howe on Friday that Cunningham had been part of the team's game plan this week as they prepped for the Raiders, but he noted that with several players ruled out prior to the trip, that the elevation from the practice squad may need to be used elsewhere. The Patriots worked around that, while also showing confidence in Cunningham, with the 53-man roster signing.
With New England's offense struggling over the last two weeks scoring a combined three points, the gadget player could be called upon to make an impact right away on Sunday.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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