Matt Corral 'Flaked Out,' Patriots Reveal 'Concern' on QB's 'Mental Health'
The New England Patriots seem to have a possible "mental health concern'' on a Patriots player who doesn't actually play for them.
The Pats' backup quarterback situation in advance of their Week 1 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles was already complicated, and then was made moreso by the addition of Matt Corral. But now he's not exactly an "addition'' at all.
FOX insider Henry McKenna is reporting that the Patriots are now "concerned" for Corral given that he showed up briefly before departing. One source told McKenna that the team wants to make sure he's stable and that what is occurring is not the result of a mental health issue.
"He just left the team, let's just make sure he's OK. I don't know if it's mental health. I just know he kind of flaked out," the source told FOX.
Just hours after it was reported that they were signing second-year quarterback Bailey Zappe to the 53-man roster, the Pats confirmed that Corral, who they claimed off waivers from the Carolina Panthers on Aug. 31, has been placed on the Exempt/Left Squad list.
Rumors surrounding Corral’s future with the Patriots began to swirl on Friday afternoon, when the Ole Miss product was absent for practice. The team later confirmed, via Friday’s injury report, that Corral’s absence was “not injury related.” The Boston Herald reported on Saturday evening that Corral had left the team on Friday “without notice,” explaining both his absentee designation.
The Exempt/Left Squad list allows the team to open up a roster spot without formally releasing him. In turn, Corral is unable to sign with another team until the designation has been lifted. He can, however, return to the Patriots at any time.
The Panthers’ third-round pick in 2022 missed his entire rookie season with a Lisfranc injury suffered during a preseason matchup against New England at Gillette Stadium.
New England will now head into the season-opener - kickoff between the Pats and Eagles is set for 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday from Gillette Stadium - with the same quarterback depth chart with Jones as the first option, Zappe as the second option, and Malik Cunningham on the practice squad. ... with Matt Corral is a sort of limbo of concern.
