New England Patriots rookie quarterback Behren Morton punting probably wasn't on anyone's Bingo card for Saturday's preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
And yet, that's exactly what happened.
Morton, who took reps under center in the second half, served as quarterback and punter for the Patriots in the exhibition game. He finished with three punts for 133 yards, each averaging 44.3 yards per punt. It's important to note that Morton played punter in high school, and he was even an emergency backup in college.
But he had never attempted it at the NFL level, not until Saturday that is.
“Bryce [Baringer] wasn't feeling great after the first two punts, so I figured instead of risking anything there with Bryce or with Andy, that Behren was able to get us out of there," Vrabel told media members after the game.
"Bryce was feeling great after the first two punts."
Mike Vrabel's full answer on Behren Morton serving as the punter: pic.twitter.com/yLRsM7JsDT
The Patriots currently don't have any depth behind punter Bryce Baringer or kicker Andy Borregales. So Vrabel proceeding with caution makes sense.
Along with punting, Morton also led the Patriots on a game-winning drive that ended with a 37-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Nick DeGennaro late in the fourth quarter. If there was ever any doubt that Morton would make the roster, he might have erased it with the versatility he showed on Saturday.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Mike Vrabel reveals real reason rookie QB replaced punter in game
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