WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. – With Benardrick McKinney out because of an injury, rookie Zach Cunningham started at inside linebacker in Wednesday's preseason loss at Carolina.
Cunningham, the second-round pick from Vanderbilt, started next to Brian Cushing and finished with seven tackles, including four unassisted – both team highs.
"For a first NFL outing, I thought Zach did some nice things," coach Bill O'Brien said Thursday. "Defensively, I thought he played physical. There are a couple things (he) can improve on, just like everybody else.
"(On) special teams, he made some plays. I was pleased with how Zach played.