FOXBORO — The Patriots took a risk Tuesday by waiving rookie quarterback/wide receiver Malik Cunningham. And head coach Bill Belichick was willing to show his hand Wednesday.

Belichick said that the Patriots will want to add Cunningham back to their practice squad if he clears waivers Wednesday. Belichick said waiving Cunningham on Tuesday was what was “best for the team.”

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It’s not unreasonable to believe Cunningham could clear waivers. He was waived in late August, and no other NFL team claimed him. He spent the first five weeks of the 2023 season on the practice squad, and no team signed him off and onto their 53-man roster.

Cunningham has played wide receiver, quarterback and special teams for the Patriots since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Louisville.

Cunningham was only active for one game, the Patriots’ Week 6 loss to the Raiders. They signed him to their 53-man roster to back up Mac Jones at quarterback and provide additional wide receiver depth. They signed him, rather than elevating him, so they could use the emergency third quarterback designation on Bailey Zappe. Both active quarterbacks and the emergency third QB all have to be on the 53-man roster.