Backup QB Bailey Zappe is back in the Patriots fold, albeit now on the practice squad. (AP file photo)

There was a sigh of relief by New England Patriots fans on Wednesday when they heard that the team re-signed quarterbacks Bailey Zappe and rookie Malik Cunningham to the team’s practice squad.

The two were surprisingly released by the Patriots on Tuesday in an effort to get down to the 53-man roster. It was a procedural move, likely due to the glut of offensive linemen that the Patriots have on the roster, but a risky one. Either player could have been claimed on waivers, leading starter Mac Jones as the only quarterback on the roster.

Now either Cunningham or Zappe can be signed off the practice squad to the team’s game day roster. But it’s a tenuous situation, as they can be plucked by other teams too. That adds to speculation that New England may be searching for a veteran to sign to the 53-man roster to back up Jones. Otherwise they could go week to week; Cunningham, who is versatile and also tried playing receiver in the preseason, would be a huge help on the scout team during weeks when the Patriots face more mobile quarterbacks.

Several players who were released were signed to the practice squad by the Patriots yesterday. That includes S Joshuah Bledsoe, Cunningham, OL James Ferentz, LB Joe Giles-Harris, RB Kevin Harris, RB Ty Montgomery II, LB Calvin Munson, LB Ronnie Perkins, WR Thyrick Pitts, OL Kody Russey, TE Matt Sokol, OL Andrew Stueber, P Corliss Waitman and Zappe.

The Patriots also signed veteran tight end Pharaoh Brown to the practice squad. Brown has been in the league since 2017. Brown last year played in 13 games with Cleveland, with five catches for 45 yards. Overall, he’s played in 55 regular season games with 36 starts, making 51 receptions for 478 career yards and two touchdowns.

The Patriots also placed receiver Tyquan Thornton on injured reserve, which means he will miss at least the first four games of the regular season. Thornton injured his shoulder during camp.