New England Patriots’ quarterback Bill Belichick provided a brief and important update on the status of quarterback Matt Corral.
FOX Sports’ AFC East reporter Henry McKenna heard through a source that Corral left the team for reasons unknown. The source brought up the possibility that it was a “mental health” matter, but details on Corral’s absence weren’t immediately available.
In an update, head coach Bill Belichick stated that the second-year QB is “in exempt status”, and that it’s “a personal matter.”
Corral has been open in the past about his struggles with alcoholism and mental health. There was immediate concern for his well-being following the news that he wasn’t with the Patriots.
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It appears as though the Patriots, understandably and reasonably, are going to keep details on Corral’s absence quiet for the time being.
Corral was drafted in the third round (94th overall) by the Carolina Panthers in 2022. Unfortunately, he suffered a Lisfranc injury that sidelined him for his entire rookie year. The Panthers waived Corral earlier this offseason, and the Patriots picked him up soon after.
Corral is the third quarterback on New England’s depth chart, behind starter Mac Jones and fellow 2022 draftee Bailey Zappe.
The Patriots dropped their season opener to the Philadelphia Eagles by a score of 25-20 on Sunday. New England will try to avoid an 0-2 start when they welcome the AFC East rival Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
