KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chiefs signed quarterback Bailey Zappe to their practice squad after his release from the New England Patriots, a source confirmed.
The Chiefs carried only Patrick Mahomes and Carson Wentz at quarterback on their 53-player roster, so Zappe will serve in effect as their third-string quarterback.
The news was first reported by NFL Network.
The Chiefs also signed running back Samaje Perine to their active roster. Perine had been released by the Denver Broncos in their final cuts.
Perine, 28, is a seven-year NFL veteran with the Broncos, Bengals, Dolphins and Washington. Last season, his only one with the Broncos, Perine rushed for 238 yards and caught a career-high 50 passes.
Zappe, 25, finished the preseason 15-of-25 for 137 yards for the Patriots, with no touchdowns and no interceptions. He played 36 snaps in the opener, the most of any quarterback, as he entered after veteran starter Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye played one series apiece.