The Carolina Panthers are in the midst of a quarterback battle between Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold to determine the team’s starter. But regardless of who wins the starting job, it looks like the Panthers’ depth took a significant hit at the position.
According to a report from Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, Panther rookie quarterback Matt Corral suffered a Lisfranc injury that will likely rule him out for the entire 2022-23 season.
#Panthers rookie QB Matt Corral has a Lisfranc injury that is likely season ending, per coach Matt Rhule. Bad luck for the Ole Miss product.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 20, 2022
The news comes after Corral left Friday night’s preseason game against the New England Patriots with an apparent injury and did not return.
While Corral was not expected to participate in the Panthers’ starting lineup this year, it is still a notable setback for the rookie as he looks to establish himself in the NFL.
Rough for the Rookie. Time to mature and study film.
Looking to 2023 https://t.co/ExB43eBFvz
— Ryan – RogueAPC.com Performance Consulting (@RyanTracyNFL) August 20, 2022
While Corral was not expected to factor into the Panthers’ starting lineup this season as he played behind both Darnold and Mayfield, it is still a setback for the rookie as he looked to learn the team’s offense.
The injury is unlikely to impact the Panthers too much this season with both Mayfield and Darnold likely to earn the team’s starting quarterback job, but the NFL world was still disappointed to hear of Corral’s setback, taking to Twitter to react to the news.
Big injury news for the Panthers. Matt Corral likely done for the season.
The rookie left yesterday's game and did not return. Tough break for Corral https://t.co/pqwSmoCZYx
— JOHN JOHNSON II (@TheJJohnsonTV) August 20, 2022
Figured to be a redshirt season, but this is a brutal blow for the rookie https://t.co/mRhxefUhGk
— Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) August 20, 2022
Figured to be a redshirt season, but this is a brutal blow for the rookie https://t.co/mRhxefUhGk
— Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) August 20, 2022
Just looked up with a Lisfranc injury is. Does not sound fun. Wishing Corral good health. https://t.co/a6bSBknH39
— Ethan Budowsky (@ethanbudowsky) August 20, 2022
That's a tough way to start your rookie season in the NFL. https://t.co/mmVl2XVS1a
— Chris Parks (@ChrisParksWBTW) August 20, 2022
Ole Miss product has his rookie season come to an end before it ever really started. https://t.co/MYXLokF0wS
— Matt Infield (@Matt_Infield) August 20, 2022
Ole Miss product has his rookie season come to an end before it ever really started. https://t.co/MYXLokF0wS
— Matt Infield (@Matt_Infield) August 20, 2022
Man, that’s a bummer. Just an awful 2022 for Corral. Have to feel for the guy. Really hope he can find a way to salvage an NFL career after all this. https://t.co/3cHKwSrVkl
— Alex Moretto (@alexjmoretto) August 20, 2022
Corral will now take the entire 2022-23 season off as he recovers from his injury. He’ll likely be back and competing for snaps next season.