Patriots waive quarterback Cody Kessler
Cody Kessler of the Philadelphia Eagles scrambles with the ball in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans during a preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 8, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
A busy day of roster shuffling for the Patriots saw third-string quarterback Cody Kessler waived from the 53-man roster.
Signed on Sept. 25 on the heels of a Jarrett Stidham pick-six in Week 3 and with Tom Brady nursing a reported calf injury, the 26-year-old Kessler practiced but was inactive for all three of his games with the Patriots.
Given the rarity of the Patriots carrying three quarterbacks on their roster, Kessler’s waiving from the Patriot roster comes as Bill Belichick and Co. address areas of need on offense, with tight ends Ben Watson and Eric Tomlinson officially signed.
With Kessler released, Stidham, who drew back into game action in the fourth quarter of New England’s Week 5 win over Washington, will likely resume his role as the No. 1 quarterback for the scout team and extra practice reps.
The Patriots return to action next Monday night against the Jets.
