Jermaine

Cunningham

Cunningham’s injury is believed to be minor, but he wasn’t helping the Patriots much. A second-round pick in 2010, Cunningham tallied 35 tackles and a sack in 15 games as a rookie. He took a giant step back this season, notching just one tackle as he played almost exclusively on special teams. Cunningham may need to impress in training camp next summer just to earn a roster spot.

Asked to describe the offseason improvement, Belichick replied, “A player’s physical improvement, overall mental grasp of what we’re doing and what we can see on the field which is non-contact but reactions and technique.” It sounds like the light may finally be going on for Cunningham, who was the odd man out in the Pats’ 4-3 tinkering last season.

Cunningham has disappointed (one career sack) since New England selected him in the second round of the 2010 draft, but coach Bill Belichick recently tagged him with a “great offseason”. Already competing with Trevor Scott, Chandler Jones, and Jake Bequette for reps, the expected re-signing of Andre Carter could still push Cunningham further down the depth chart.

He’ll be eligible to return in Week 17. A sub-package rusher who plays inside and out, Cunningham amassed 23 tackles and 2.5 sacks in the Patriots’ first 11 games, making three starts. The Pats can withstand his loss if they get rookie RE Chandler Jones back healthy. Trevor Scott can take Cunningham’s role.

Cunningham was slated to fill in as the backup at right end behind Andre Carter. Mark Anderson is going to get a chance now.

Cunningham served a four-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on PEDs. He has 23 tackles and 2.5 sacks this season while acting as a situational interior pass rusher.

The Patriots came away with two more edge rushers in this weekend’s draft in Jamie Collins and Michael Buchanan, making it a crowded group in New England. Bequette, the No. 90 overall pick last year, played in just three games as a rookie, failing to register on the stat sheet. Cunningham notched just 2.5 sacks in 2012 and was suspended for four games.

Cunningham, converting from college end to NFL outside rusher, has practiced at the integral ROLB position during offseason workouts. If he wins the position, Cunningham stands a good shot at leading the team in sacks.

The Patriots released Cunningham with an injury settlement early last month. Cunningham appeared in 12 games for the Pats last season, making three starts. He’s notched 59 career tackles and 3.5 sacks. He’s a nice piece of depth for the 49ers’ undermanned front seven in the absence of Aldon Smith.

Cunningham has been removed from injured reserve and is now a free agent. The Patriots also released DL Justin Francis, and added Leon Washington and OG Josh Kline to the active roster.