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Malik Moving: New England Patriots' Cunningham Playing Sunday vs. Los Angeles Chargers? - Roster Tracker

The New England Patriots are adding some athleticism, and potentially some excitement to their quarterback room in advance of their Week 13 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Mike D'Abate

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DEC. 1 PATRIOTS EXPECTED TO SIGN QB MALIK CUNNINGHAM TO 53-MAN ROSTER - The New England Patriots quarterback carousel is expected to gain another rider prior to their Week 13 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. 

Rookie Malik Cunningham, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss, is expected to sign with the Patriots 53-man roster. As such, it is anticipated that Cunningham will be active for Sunday’s game at Gillette Stadium. 

New England has presumedly made the decision to start second-year quarterback Bailey Zappe, after the faltering of incumbent starter Mac Jones. Zappe has taken the majority of the first-team snaps during New England’s week of practice. However, Cunningham has seen an increase in reps at the position, taking a notable number on Friday. Accordingly, he is rumored to be a viable option against the Chargers this weekend. Veteran Will Grier may also be available for elevation via the scout team - though the presence of Zappe, Cunningham and Jones on the active roster make that an unlikely scenario, at best. 

Because of injuries to rookie Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte, Cunningham may be called into duty at receiver.

Whether Cunningham is able to translate his prowess into action on the field in. Week 13 is still a matter of conjecture. However, it appears that the talented, yet enigmatic Pats rookie will at least get the chance to prove himself as early as Sunday. 

Kickoff between the Pats and Chargers is set for 1 p.m. ET. 

OCT. 25 DOLPHINS STAR RECEIVER TYREEK HILL INJURED? The Miami Dolphins could be without star receiver Tyreek Hill on Sunday when they travel to face the New England Patriots.

Following reports of Hill being absent at practice Wednesday, comments from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in a follow-up press conference alluded to the possibility that the 29-year-old could miss time.

"If we couldn't have Tyreek, that would be tough, but the show goes on, ..." Tagovailoa said. "Somewhere down the line, we're going to get Tyreek back."

Tagovailoa wasn't the only Dolphins player asked about Hill's status as fellow receiver Jaylen Waddle was too.

“That’s above my pay grade," Waddle said about Hill's status for Sunday, according to Cameron Wolfe.

Wolfe's tweet about Waddle's comment was then quote tweeted by NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, who wrote that Hill missing out on Sunday "is a real possibility.

According to the Dolphins injury report, it is a hip injury that could cause Hill to miss Sunday's game. Hill currently leads the NFL in receiving yards with 902 and seven touchdowns on 53 receptions, and his absence would be a big blow for the Dolphins.

OCT. 24 FORMER PATRIOTS LINEBACKER CHASE WINOVICH ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT - Former New England Patriots linebacker Chase Winovich announced his retirement on Tuesday night after four-plus seasons in the NFL. 

The high-energy, yet often injured 28-year-old took to social media to announce that “the time had come to serve the universe in other ways,” after being released by the Miami Dolphins with an injury settlement on Oct. 17. Still, Winovich quoted his former Patriots teammate Matthew Slater in expressing that he “owed football something.” 

Via @chasewinovoch — Instagram

Winovich was New England’s third-round selection in the 2019 draft. During his three-year tenure in Foxboro, the Michigan product went on to appear in 46 combined regular season and playoff games for the team. He finished his time with the Pats having compiled 85 total tackles (10 for loss), two passes defensed, one forced fumble and 11 sacks, including a team-high 5.5 in 2020.

The ex-Wolverine’s energy and personality made him a fan-favorite in New England. However, Winovich was hampered by various injuries throughout his four seasons as a pro.

As a result, things did not exactly go according to plan for both Winovich and the Patriots. Last season, He registered only six solo tackles, one quarterback hit and zero sacks in 113 defensive snaps. He has also played 161 snaps on special teams, primarily in the kicking game. Still, what might be most surprising is that Winovich played on only 14 percent of New England’s defensive snaps in 2021, especially after having played on 58 percent in 2020. He did not take a defensive snap for New England during their playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills, leading many to question his continuing role in New England. As a result, Winovich was dealt to the Cleveland Browns in a rare, player-for-player exchange for linebacker Mack Wilson, Sr. 

Winovich appeared in eight games for the Browns, making two starts while logging 20 total tackles and one sack. Though he signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans in the offseason, he was released during final roster cuts in late August. He subsequently signed with Miami’s practice squad — where he earned three game-day elevations, yet registered only one tackle. 

New England will take on Miami in a Week 8 matchup on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. ET. 

OCT. 24 FORMER PATRIOTS TIGHT END SCOTTY WASHINGTON SIGNS WITH PITTSBURGH STEELERS PRACTICE SQUAD -The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed former New England Patriots tight end Scotty Washington to their practice squad following a successful workout, according to KPRC2's Aaron Wilson.

The Steelers brought Washington in for a visit following the placement of Pat Freiermuth on Injured Reserve. 

Washington originally signed with the Patriots practice squad in September 2022. The 6-5, 247-pounder had spent the past two seasons on the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad before being waived ahead of the Aug. 22 roster trimming deadline. Washington aligned at receiver for the Bengals until December 2021, when he converted to tight end. He was placed on the practice squad’s injured list at the end of December after logging 22 offensive snaps in his NFL debut on Christmas Eve against his former mates in Cincinnati. Though he spent the entirety of 2023 training camp and preseason with New England, he was released by the Pats during final roster cuts in late August. 

OCT. 19 PATRIOTS MOVE MIKE VRABEL, DANTE SCARNECCHIA HALL OF FAME INDOORS DUE TO WEATHER CONCERNS, RESTRICT ATTENDANCE? - With inclement weather in the forecast for Saturday, the New England Patriots have announced some amendments the plans to honor former linebacker Mike Vrabel and longtime offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia as the newest inductees into the Patriots Hall of Fame. 

The team confirmed via a Thursday evening statement that the Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be moved inside the Cross Insurance Pavilion & Business Center at Gillette Stadium. Originally open to the general public, the team will also be forced to restrict attendance accordingly. 

As the ceremony annually attracts thousands of fans, capacity constraints will now limit the attendees to only alumni and invited guests. Fans wishing to attend will have limited chances to register for a free ticket via the team's website. In most cases, the Pats are encouraging fans to watch the ceremony, which will be carried by a local affiliate (TV38 Boston) or via live streaming at 12 p.m. ET.

OCT. 19 INTERNATIONAL FLAGS ON HELMETS - You'll see some changes to NFL helmets around the league for Weeks 7 and 8. Hundreds of players will add flag decals to their helmets, representing the countries of their heritage.

If he was playing, for example, Patriots' rookie Christian Gonzalez would be wearing a Colombian flag decal on the back of his helmet Sunday against the Bills.

The league has announced more than 330 players have committed to participate, representing 72 nations, with Nigeria being the most-represented foreign country, with 80 players committing to wear the Nigerian flag.

SEPT. 3 PATRIOTS RELEASE LB DIEGO FAGOT WITH INJURY SETTLEMENT The New England Patriots have released linebacker Diego Fagot from injured reserve with an injury settlement., as confirmed by Friday’s NFL transaction wire. 

Fagot had been waived by the Pats last Sunday with an injury designation. He subsequently went unclaimed and reverted to injured reserve following the league’s roster deadline.

Fagot singed with the Patriots in July, after being hosted by the team for a workout at Gillette Stadium. After spending the entirety of training camp with the club, he appeared in all three preseason games, taking 51 snaps on defense and 19 snaps on special teams.

Fagot, a former Navy inside linebacker, began his NFL career by receiving an invite to the Baltimore Ravens rookie minicamp, after going undrafted in 2022. His practice performance earned him an offer and he officially signed with the team. He was, however, waived by Baltimore in August.

The 6-3, 240-pound Fagot is a two-time first-team All-American Athletic Conference selection who had 94 tackles last season and was named the Shrine Bowl defensive MVP. Fagot compiled 282 tackles. 9.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, five recoveries and two interceptions in 42 games during his tenure as a Navy Midshipman. His final season with Navy saw him compile 94 tackles (11 for loss) and one sack. 

Fagot is now free to sign with another team, per the terms of his release. 

SEPT 2 PATS ALONE IN CLAIMS FOR CORRAL Per Albert Breer, the New England Patriots were alone in their claim to claim former Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Corral. Currently the top passing contingency option behind Mac Jones, Corral was a third-round pick of Carolina's in 2022 but did not appear in any regular season games.

Breer hints that Corral's lack of experience and early exit from Charlotte isn't an overt cause for concern, reasoning that Patriots management has been in close contact with some of his former personnel.

"New England had great intel on him, given Bill O'Brien's relationship with (Mississippi head coach) Lane Kiffin, and having ex-Panthers VP Pat Stewart on staff," Breer said. "Pats execs Matt Groh and Eliot Wolf did a ton of work on him too in '22.

JULY 29 PATRIOTS HOST FORMER DALLAS COWBOYS RUNNING BACK EZEKIEL ELLIOTT FOR VISIT The New England Patriots continue to keep their options open when it comes to adding talent to their corps of running backs.

The Pats, as reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz, are hosting former Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott for a free agent visit on Saturday at Gillette Stadium. 

Elliott was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys fourth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. In seven seasons with the Cowboys, he was a three-time Pro Bowl and two-time All-Pro selection, and led the league in rushing yards in 2016 (1,631 yards) and 2018 (1,434 yards.)

In 2022, Elliott ran for 876 yards and 12 touchdowns on 231 carries; a solid complement to Dallas’ rushing attack led by fellow back Tony Pollard. He also recorded 17 receptions for 92 yards and no touchdowns.

With Dalvin Cook heavily linked via rumor to the New York Jets, New England may be turning its attention elsewhere for help at the position. Hybrid running back/receiver Ty Montgomery is considered ‘“day to day” after tweaking his ankle in a collision during team drills on Thursday. Behind starter Rhamondre Stevenson, second-year backs Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris, as well as veteran J.J. Taylor round out the Pats running back depth chart. 

The Patirots also previously worked out veteran running backs Leonard Fournette and Darrell Henderson. 

Patriots players are enjoying a day off on Saturday, and will return to practice at 11 a.m. on Sunday. 

JULY 24 PATRIOTS SIGN FORMER NAVY LINEBACKER DIEGO FAGOT The New England Patriots announced that they have signed linebacker Diego Fagot. The 25-year-old had been in Foxboro for a workout with the team on Monday

Fagot, a former Navy inside linebacker, began his NFL career by receiving an invite to the Baltimore Ravens rookie minicamp, after going undrafted in 2022. His practice performance earned him an offer and he officially signed with the team. He was, however, waived by Baltimore in August.

The 6-3, 240-pound Fagot is a two-time first-team All-American Athletic Conference selection who had 94 tackles last season and was named the Shrine Bowl defensive MVP. Fagot compiled 282 tackles. 9.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, five recoveries and two interceptions in 42 games during his tenure as a Navy Midshipman. 

Terms of the contract have yet to be announced.

The Patriots are set to take the practice fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday to begin 2023 training camp. 

JULY 24 PATRIOTS WORK OUT EX-NINERS RECEIVER JALEN HURD, FORMER RAVENS LB DIEGO FAGOT With only hours remaining until the start of their first 2023 training camp practice, the New England Patriots are keeping their options open when it comes to adding to their 90-man roster. 

The Patriots, per Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, hosted both wide receiver Jalen Hurd and linebacker Diego Fagot for workouts at Gillette Stadium on Monday. 

Hurd joined the NFL as the No. 67 pick in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. However injuries to his back, ACL and knee after spending each of his three seasons on injured reserve, and . He was released by the 49ers in November 2022, having never taken a regular season snap with the 49ers

If Hurd is able to put his injury woes behind him, his performance in college suggests he would be a welcomed addition to the Pats receiving corps. A converted running back, Hurd had 946 receiving yards on 69 catches with a total of seven touchdowns (four receiving, three rushing) in 2018 for Baylor. At 6-5, 225 pounds and an unofficial 40-yard dash time of 4.47 seconds, he's an exceptional athlete with upside as a goal line or deep threat, with the proper development.

Fagot, a former Navy inside linebacker, began his NFL career by receiving an invite to the Baltimore Ravens rookie minicamp, after going undrafted in 2022. His practice performance earned him an offer and he officially signed with the team. He was, however, waived by Baltimore in August. 

The 6-3, 240-pound Fagot is a two-time first-team All-American Athletic Conference selection who had 94 tackles last season and was named the Shrine Bowl defensive MVP. Fagot compiled 282 tackles in 42 games during his tenure as a Navy Midshipman. 

The Patriots are set to take the practice fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday. 

JULY 24 PATRIOTS AFC EAST NEMESIS SUFFERS MAJOR INJURY The player who helped end the New England Patriots' 2022 season won't be on the field for the start of the 2023 season, as Buffalo Bills' running back/kick-returner Nyheim Hines suffered a major knee injury. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Hines sustained an “off-site” injury which will likely keep him out the entirety of this season.

It was Hines who had kickoff returns of 96 and 101 yards for touchdowns as the Bills beat the Pats, 35-23, to end New England's season at 8-9 at out of the playoffs last January.

With already a thin running-back group, the Bills might jump into the free-agent market where they could compete with the Pats for the services of Dalvin Cook. Another name likely to pop up is two-time NFL rushing champion Ezekiel Elliott, a former Dallas Cowboys star now a free agent coming off a season in which he scored 12 touchdowns.

JULY 21 EX-PATRIOTS RB ROBINSON SIGNS WITH GIANTS While the New England Patriots mull over signing free-agent running backs such as Dalvin Cook and Leonard Fournette, one of their former players has found a new home. James Robinson, whom the Pats released in June, signed a contract with the New York Giants.

Robinson wasn't in the Pats' plans, but he became an attractive alternative in New York while Saquon Barkley threatens to hold out of training camp in a contract dispute.

Another former Patriot - linebacker and two-time Super Bowl champion Kyle Van Noy - made a free-agent visit Friday to the Baltimore Ravens. The linebacker left New England after the 2021 season and played last year for the Los Angeles Chargers.

JULY 21 FREE-AGENT RUNNING BACK DALVIN COOK OFFERED 'HUSH MONEY' TO EX-GIRLFRIEND FOR ABUSE ALLEGATIONS?: While the New England Patriots remain prominently in the mix to sign free-agent running back Dalvin Cook, a recent development may threaten to derail the four-time Pro Bowler’s playing plans for 2023.

According to a sealed court filing obtained by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Cook is alleged to have offered his ex-girlfriend, Gracelyn Trimble, $1 million in exchange for her dropping assault accusations against him. Trimble declined the offer.

The document, filed in Dakota County District Court, outlines Cook’s initial offer of $800,000, which was accompanied by a condition that Trimble sign a sworn affidavit denying the abuse claims she had previously made under oath.

The legal drama between Cook and Trimble originated in November 2021, when she  filed a lawsuit accusing the player of both physical and emotional abuse. In response, Cook filed a defamation lawsuit against Trimble in Hennepin County. Both cases are still pending.

On the field, Cook is still one of the best running backs in the NFL. In 2022 with the Minnesota Vikings, he rushed for 1,173 yards with eight rushing touchdowns. He added 39 receptions, 295 receiving yards, and a pair of receiving touchdowns.

JULY 21 AQIB TALIB SUED; BROTHER PLEADS GUILTY Former New England Patriots' cornerback Aqib Talib is a defendant in a $1 million lawsuit filed by the family of a man shot and killed during an altercation at a youth football game last year near Dallas. Talib's brother, Yaqub, has pleaded guilty in the case, and faces a possible 37-year prison sentence for  the murder of former coach Michael Hickmon.

According to Lancaster (a southern suburb of Dallas) police, witnesses said the Aug. 13, 2022 fight began because of a disagreement between coaching staffs over a call made by referees. Video of the incident showed a group of men fighting, followed by the sound of several gunshots.

Aqib played 13 years in the NFL, including two in New England including a Pro Bowl season in 2013. He was working on Amazon TV's NFL broadcasts before news of the incident stalled his career.

JULY 20 TEAM REVEALS 'REDTRO' THROWBACK UNIFORM GAMES "Pat Patriot" is back. Will the wins follow?

After shutting out the Detroit Lions last season while wearing their old-school red jerseys an iconic white helmets, the New England Patriots revealed Thursday that they will sport the throwback uniforms twice in 2023. The Pats will wear them in two home games: Week 2 (Sept. 17) against the Miami Dolphins (Sunday Night Football) and Week 13 (Dec. 3) against the Los Angeles Chargers.

New England also lost to the Buffalo Bills wearing the popular uniforms last November.

When the team announced last season it was digging the look out of mouth balls, even Tom Brady gave it a thumbs up.

JULY 20 PATRIOTS TARGET TRADED TO LIONS First, DeAndre Hopkins. Now, Denzel Mims? In their quest to upgrade their receiving corps, the New England Patriots were reportedly interested in acquiring the New York Jets' unhappy receiver. But late Wednesday, he was traded to the Detroit Lions in exchange for a conditional sixth- and a seventh-round draft pick.

With the offseason additions of Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb and Mercole Hardman, new quarterback Aaron Rodgers has plenty of weapons in New York. Meanwhile, the Pats are left perhaps adding talent to their backfield with Dalvin Cook, Leonard Fournette or Darrell Henderson.

JULY 19 PATRIOTS HOST RB DARRELL HENDERSON In addition to hosting former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette for a work out on Wednesday, the Patriots also extended their hospitality to free agent rusher Darrell Henderson, Jr, per a report from ESPN’s Mike Reiss. 

Henderson was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams out of Memphis in the third round (No. 70 overall) in the 2019 NFL Draft. In his four seasons in the NFL, he has compiled 1,742 yards on 396 carries with 13 touchdowns, while catching 66 passes for 474 yards and four scoring receptions. 

While Rams’ lead back Cam Akers’ availability continued to be cloaked in question marks throughout the season, Henderson, spent some time as L.A’s top option. Henderson has mostly operated as a change-of-pace option while handling snap shares between 50 and 60 percent during his time at the head of the depth chart. In addition to remaining the one of the Rams' top pass-catching options out of the backfield, the 5-8, 208-pound back also took on more of Akers' vacated early-down work.

However, Henderson was released by Los Angeles in November. After being claimed off waivers by the Jacksonville Jaguars, he was cut by the team on Dec. 9. Since that time, he has remained a free agent. 

The workouts for the two veterans naturally lead to speculation about the team's pursuit of top free agent back Dalvin Cook. We will keep you posted ...

JULY 19 RUNNING BACK REINFORCEMENT: The New England Patriots may not be quite satisfied yet with their running back room heading into training camp after releasing James Robinson earlier this offseason.

According to a report from Tom Pelissero on Wednesday afternoon, the Patriots hosted veteran back Leonard Fournette for a workout.

The seventh-year back, formerly out of LSU, spent the last three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers playing alongside former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Just last season, while playing in 16 games for the Bucs, Fournette totaled 668 yards and three touchdowns rushing on 189 carries.

If he were to sign with New England, Fournette would join a running back group that already boasts Rhamondre Stevenson, Ty Montgomery, Kevin Harris, and Pierre Strong Jr. 

JULY 10 COOK'S SALARY DEMANDS: The New England Patriots remain the favorite to sign both free agents DeAndre Hopkins and Dalvin Cook. We know the Pats made a contract offer to Hopkins, and now we know what it will take to sign Cook.

NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe reported on Monday's Good Morning Football that Cook believes he's “one of the best backs in the league, and he wants to be paid as such.”

Apparently the Miami Dolphins have made an offer to Cook, who was released last month by the Minnesota Vikings. The Patriots are said to be "intrigued," but Cook would have to agree to come to Foxboro as the backup to Rhamondre Stevenson (and a salary consistent with that role.)

Wolfe said Cook is in no rush to sign: "He and his team are comfortable if it goes into camp or if it goes into the season."

The San Francisco 49ers' Christian McCaffrey is scheduled to be the league's highest-paid running back this season at $16 million.

JULY 9 DeANDRE HOPKINS MULLING PATRIOTS OFFER: While the New England Patriots play the waiting game with coveted free-agent receiver DeAndre Hopkins, ESPN reported Sunday that the Tennessee Titans have "been more aggressive to this point."

The Pats and Titans last month both hosted and made a contract offer to Hopkins. The receiver, as we have written repeatedly, is apparently hoping another team joins the bidding - or that New England or Tennessee increase their offers - before NFL training camps open in three weeks.

Because of Hopkins' past success in Bill O'Brien's offensive system, New England is still considered a strong option. But with no decision yet, Hopkins is leaving the door open for other teams that might be "lurking."

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Mike D'Abate
MIKE D'ABATE

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