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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Danny Jaillet

Here’s what Bill O’Brien said on Patriots QB Bailey Zappe’s role

New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien shared a vote of confidence for quarterback Bailey Zappe as roster moves might reflect a change in the quarterback depth chart.

The Patriots elevated Malik Cunningham from the practice squad last Saturday, and he was automatically made the No. 2 quarterback ahead of the team’s Week 6 meeting with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Zappe, on the other hand, was listed as inactive.

This is a change from last year, when he was the consensus No. 2 quarterback for the Patriots. He started in two games last season when Mac Jones went down with an injury and led New England to victory both times. He threw for 781 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.

Now, his situation is much different.

When asked about Zappe’s role, O’Brien reiterated that New England has not lost confidence in him, as transcribed by NESN.com’s Keagan Stiefel.

“I think it’s week to week,” said O’Brien. “I think maybe you’re asking is, ‘Have we lost confidence in Bailey?’ We haven’t lost any confidence in Bailey.

“We felt like that was the best way to go about it for the Raiders game based on where we were from an injury standpoint and things like that. ‘How do we get Malik Cunningham into the game?’ That was the best way to get him into the game.”

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