Quarterback Tommy DeVito is embracing his new backup role, as well as a new nickname, with the Patriots

Patriots backup quarterback Tommy DeVito finished strong in Tuesday's joint practice with the Colts.John Tlumacki/Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH — Don’t call him “Tommy Cutlets” anymore.

Ask Patriots coach Mike Vrabel how his new backup quarterback has done this summer, and you’ll find out Tommy DeVito’s new nickname.

“ ‘Two Chains’ is doing a nice job,” Vrabel said before the start of Tuesday’s practice with the Colts, the 14th training camp workout for the Patriots.

DeVito — who gained a small measure of fame as “Tommy Cutlets” when he arrived in the NFL with the Giants — was claimed on waivers by the Patriots last summer and slotted into the role of third-string quarterback. But his work over the last year left the Patriots comfortable in their decision to not bring back last year’s No. 2, Joshua Dobbs.

According to Vrabel, the 6-foot-2-inch, 210-pound DeVito has shown tremendous development over the last year.

“He, I think, continues to learn,” Vrabel said. “With it being a new system, I think it got his attention a little bit better, as opposed to saying, ‘Hey, I know what this is,’ and kind of taking it for granted. I think he’s really done a nice job.”

DeVito said the new nickname came out of a conversation with Vrabel last year.

“Originally, he was calling me ‘Cutlets,’ ” DeVito said. “And then he saw me wearing two gold chains that I always have on. I never take them off, and that turned into ‘Two Chains.’ That’s good, and that’s how it is throughout the building now.”

DeVito has responded favorably to the nickname, as well as the added responsibility. The 28-year-old has had a strong summer, and after an occasionally inconsistent start to Tuesday’s practice, DeVito had an excellent finish, going 11 for 16 in 11-on-11 work and 2 for 6 in seven-on-sevens.

DeVito finished with what might have been the play of the day in the 11-on-11 session, as he connected with Mack Hollins on a touchdown pass that went for roughly 50 yards.

“That was awesome,” DeVito said with a smile. “Obviously, everything starts with the play call. A play that has multiple answers in it. You have the guys on the field to give you the protection [and] perfect coverage for it. Mack runs a great route, O-line blocks, and you put it up to him. That’s it.”

Tommy DeVito (right) found a moment to chat with Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, his former Giants teammate, during a joint practice Tuesday. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff

It’s the latest solid performance from DeVito, who went 13 for 16 with a pair of touchdowns to DeMario Douglas to lead the blue team to a win over Drake Maye and the white team in last week’s intrasquad scrimmage.

“The talent has always been there, but I think he’s just in a flow state right now,” defensive back Dell Pettus said. “He looks fantastic.”

In two seasons with the Giants, DeVito rode a roller coaster, going from No. 3 quarterback to cult hero as a part-time starter. He appeared in 12 games in 2023 and ’24 (starting eight) while completing 65.3 percent of his passes for 1,358 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.

In New England, he’s traded cult-hero status for the role of steady and consistent backup. But he’s also aware that things can change dramatically in the NFL. That’s why he hasn’t been thrown by the idea of moving from No. 3 to backup.

“I got exposed to that early on in my rookie year, being on practice squad,” he said. “And then a couple weeks later being elevated to be the [backup], and then the week after that to starting a game. So, you know that that whole prepare-like-a-starter thing was very real to me my rookie year.

“Even two years ago when I was in New York. I was the [No.] 3 one week, and then the next week I was starting. You’ve always got to stay ready.”

Ultimately, whether it’s a new nickname or a new role, DeVito seems ready to embrace the challenges that will come in 2026.

“It’s a different world,” he said of his comfort level now compared with when he first arrived in New England. “It’s one thing to be in the classroom and be in it and learn and everything, but it’s another thing to get reps in it. Last year, I didn’t get any reps in the offense; my first rep was during OTAs [this spring].

“The way this offense gives the quarterback [the leeway] . . . you make all the decisions, whether you want to get in and out of a play, whatever you want to do. Everything flows through the quarterback. For the coaches to have that kind of trust in you, it’s awesome.”