Patriots News: Malik Cunningham, Trey Flowers Released Ahead of Dolphins Game

The New England Patriots announced some roster cuts on Tuesday.

Quarterback Malik Cunningham and defensive lineman Trey Flowers were released. ESPN's Mike Reiss noted that Cunningham could be headed for the practice squad if he clears waivers.

The Patriots signed Cunningham as an undrafted free agent out of Louisville this summer. He spent much of his time with the franchise on the practice squad but was elevated to the active roster for an Oct. 15 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Cunningham saw action at both quarterback and wide receiver in a 21-17 loss to the Raiders.

Although Cunningham has been released, the Patriots are still led at quarterback by Mac Jones. Bailey Zappe is his primary backup and Will Grier is also on the roster.

The Patriots signed Flowers in August and he was placed on the physically unable to perform list to begin the season. He suffered an injury after appearing in just four games for the Miami Dolphins during the 2022 campaign and hasn't suited up since Oct. 16, 2022.

Flowers began his NFL career with the Patriots after the franchise selected him in the fourth round of the 2015 draft out of Arkansas. He won two Super Bowls with the franchise and was a key member of the defensive line from 2015-18.

Following his stint in New England, Flowers played for the Detroit Lions from 2019-21 before joining the Dolphins in 2022.

In 79 games across eight seasons, the 30-year-old posted 31.5 sacks, seven pass breakups, 10 forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 265 tackles, 37 tackles for loss and 87 quarterback hits.

The Patriots are coming off a massive victory over Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. The game marked just their second win of the season and they sit fourth in the AFC East with a 2-5 record heading into a huge matchup against the Miami Dolphins.