The Patriots are signing quarterback Bailey Zappe to their 53-man roster from the practice squad, according to a source.
The team is releasing QB Matt Corral in a corresponding move, NFL Media reported.
Zappe will be used as the Patriots’ backup quarterback Sunday in their season opener against the Eagles. Head coach Bill Belichick said Friday morning that the team was still deciding between Zappe and Corral.
Zappe was surprisingly waived at roster cutdowns late last month. He signed with the Patriots’ practice squad one day later after clearing waivers. The Patriots claimed Corral off waivers earlier this month after he was waived by the Panthers. Corral was not at practice Friday.
The Patriots selected Zappe in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Western Kentucky. He went 2-0 in relief of starter Mac Jones last season but struggled this summer in offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien’s new system.