Patriots fans itching to see how undrafted rookie Malik Cunningham can boost the team’s struggling offense will get their wish Sunday.

The Patriots elevated Cunningham from the practice squad to the gameday roster on Saturday afternoon. Cunningham, who’s played quarterback, wide receiver and special teams with the Patriots, will revert back to the practice squad on Monday.

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This will be Cunningham’s second game on the Patriots’ active roster. He was signed to the 53-man roster ahead of Week 6 and served as Mac Jones’ backup quarterback in that game. He was sacked in his only dropback and didn’t register any carries. He was waived and brought back to the practice squad after the game but hadn’t practiced at quarterback again until this week.

The college quarterback, who started four seasons at Louisville, added a spark in the Patriots’ first preseason game this summer while playing quarterback. He said Friday in the Patriots’ locker room that he believes he’s grown as a wide receiver since his transition to the new position this spring, as well.

Bailey Zappe, not Jones, is expected to start at quarterback Sunday against the Chargers. Zappe has struggled in four games in relief of Jones but has not started a game since 2022. Jones is 2-9 as a starter and has been benched in four appearances this season.

Since Cunningham was elevated and not signed to the 53-man roster, the Patriots cannot use the emergency third QB designation on Jones or Cunningham.