FOXBORO — Patriots rookie Malik Cunningham made a somewhat surprising admission to the Herald last week when he said he hasn’t regularly practiced at quarterback since Week 6.

That acknowledgment came amid a multi-week quarterback controversy that has seen starter Mac Jones benched in his last two appearances and four times this season. Cunningham served as the Patriots’ backup quarterback in Week 6 against the Raiders but was waived after the game and signed back to the team’s practice squad.

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“Well, there are other players who are practicing at quarterback, as well. He’s not the only guy out there,” Belichick said Wednesday when asked why the practice approach has changed. “And it depends a little bit on the offense that we’re seeing. So, if we’re seeing offenses that run plays that he’s very good at running, teams like Philadelphia, the first Miami game, then he gets — they’re practice squad reps but they’re also reps on things that he does. So, he’s kind of a unique player. Things aren’t straight-lined with him. He’s different than probably every other player we have on the team. He’s handled a little bit differently.”

Belichick shot back at the notion that Cunningham has changed positions.

“We didn’t move him back anywhere,” Belichick said. “He’s been playing wide receiver all year. And he’s also played some at quarterback.”

Among 49 quarterbacks who have at least 40 dropbacks this season, Jones and backup Bailey Zappe rank 41st and 48th, respectively, in overall PFF grade. Despite their struggles, Belichick hasn’t shown interest in giving Cunningham or Will Grier extended playing time.