The New England Patriots had a vacant position on their 53-man roster after listing Tyquan Thornton on the injured reserve list, and Matt Corral, a former Carolina Panthers, was claimed by the team to fill up the void. He was expected to be the No. 2 option on the depth chart behind their starting quarterback Mac Jones.
Corral was planning to share the QB room with the Panthers’ Bryce Young, and Andy Dalton before being released last month. Following that unfortunate incident, seemingly his bad luck followed in New England too as his journey with the Patriots is now hanging in the air amid the regular season.
What happened to Patriots QB Matt Corral?
According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, the Patriots decided to place Matt Corral on the left squad list as he didn’t appear at Gillette Stadium the past two days for the team’s practice, walkthrough, or meeting. The source added that the franchise is also drawing his potential scenario in Foxboro.
With Matt Corral and the Exempt/Left Squad list, the Patriots QB hasn’t shown up to Gillette Stadium the past two days for practice, walkthrough or meetings, per source. The team is still working to determine his future in Foxboro. @TheAthletic
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) September 10, 2023
As per Saturday’s report in The Boston Herald, the Ole Miss product had left the Patriots team on Friday “without notice”, and later the franchise revealed that his absence was not related to injury.
By placing the 24-year-old QB on the left squad list, Bill Belichick’s team is now able to open up a roster spot without releasing him. The 2022 third-round pick will not be able to sign with any other franchises till the designation is lifted, and hence, he will have to come back to the Patriots only.
Patriots sign Bailey Zappe to replace Matt Corral
After sending Matt Corral off the active roster, the Patriots enrolled Bailey Zappe in their active squad. He is now set to play as the top backup to QB1 Jones in Sunday’s season-opening game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The #Patriots are signing QB Bailey Zappe to the 53-man roster, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 9, 2023
So after two weeks of drama, it appears New England is back to the original depth chart and Zappe will back up Mac Jones on Sunday vs. the #Eagles. pic.twitter.com/9w7MLbuH7I
Despite showcasing his caliber on the field last season, the 24-year-old had been surprisingly released at the final roster cutdown on August 29. On top of that, Corral’s acquisition made the equation tougher for him with the Patriots, albeit Belichick earlier hinted the franchise would be preferring the vet when he said that he “certainly has the advantage on experience and time in the system.”
The signal-caller successfully spent his rookie season by recording 781 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions and completed 70.7 percent of his attempts throughout four games.
What’s your take on the Patriots’ decision to prefer Bailey Zappe over Matt Corral? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
