4 key observations from Panthers QB Matt Corral’s second pro outing
By Luke Gray
Carolina Panthers will likely stash Matt Corral on IR for the season
A Carolina Panthers quarterback leaving the game with an injury caused by the lack of protection from the offensive line, where have we seen that before?
Matt Corral was the latest to fall victim to that on Friday Night. Poor protection from tackle Austen Pleasants – who was cut on Monday – and mainly from guard Deonte Brown meant that the rookie ended up with two defensive linemen in his lap.
After the game Corral left the locker room with his left foot in a boot and later Matt Rhule confirmed that the problem was pretty serious. Given the extensive snaps provided to P.J. Walker during the preseason, it seems as though the Panthers are hesitant to part ways with the former Temple man, so what follows now Baker Mayfield has officially been named the starter is anyone’s guess.
The Panthers have indicated through the offseason they plan to carry three quarterbacks through the season. Mayfield is the starter, Sam Darnold will be the backup as no team is stupid enough to touch his fully guaranteed salary, which leaves Walker as QB3 with Corral now facing a considerable period of rehabilitation.
However, a scenario could also emerge where the Panthers roll with just two quarterbacks. Stashing Corral on season-ending injured/reserve similarly to Thomas Fletcher a year ago could be a blessing in disguise for the organization.