Change appears to be coming at quarterback for the New England Patriots, and it could include a former Alabama high school star.

On Saturday, the Patriots elevated Malik Cunningham of Park Crossing High School from their practice squad, making him eligible to play in Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

“It’s whenever my number’s called,” Cunningham said this week, “just be ready to play.”

When healthy, former Alabama All-American Mac Jones has started at quarterback in every New England game since he joined the team as the 15th selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.

At 2-9, the Patriots have the worst record in the AFC, and Jones has failed to finish four games, giving way to backup Bailey Zappe.

In New England’s 10-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 12, the Patriots sent Zappe out for their final possession with the game on the line after Jones had taken every snap to that point.

New England coach Bill Belichick preceded the Patriots’ next game by declining to identify a starting quarterback and repeating his admonition that every player should be ready.

Jones started on Nov. 26, but Zappe played the entire second half in a 10-7 loss to the New York Giants.

It’s been more of the same from the New England coach this week.

“I’m not going to announce starters,” Belichick said on Friday. “I think we’ve talked about that plenty of times — at any position.”

Belichick did comment on the quarterbacks’ practice work as a whole this week.

“I think the preparation’s been good,” Belichick said. “We’ll see what happens on Sunday. That’s always the test. Put in the time, preparation — I think everybody’s trying to do that across the board at every position. We’ll see how it looks on Sunday.”

Reports from practice on Wednesday indicated Zappe worked with the first team and Jones ran the scout team. But Cunningham also has practiced at quarterback this week.

A quarterback at Louisville, Cunningham signed with New England as an undrafted rookie in May. The Patriots’ stated intention was to convert Cunningham to wide receiver.

In the preseason, he played both positions, and he did the same in his only regular-season appearance. In a 21-17 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 15, Cunningham played six snaps – four at wide receiver and two at quarterback.

The Patriots will be missing two wide receivers for Sunday’s game. The New England injury report indicates Demario Douglas with a concussion and Kayshon Boutte with a shoulder injury won’t play against the Chargers.

“I’m very confident in my game,” Cunningham said. “I feel like my teammates are confident in me, too. I’m confident in those guys. We’re all just coming together and trying to get this win this weekend.”

The Patriots and Chargers square off at noon CST Sunday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.