When an NFL player doesn’t show up for practice for one day, that’s cause for a normal amount of concern. When someone who was fighting for a spot on the team, like New England Patriots Quarterback Matt Corral, doesn’t show up for two days on the eve of the team’s first match of the season, that takes it to the next level.
That’s why fans of Corral, and the Patriots, rallied around the young QB on social media after learning the news, sending messages of support.
Corral was picked up by the Patriots on waivers a little over a week ago to be a backup to Mac Jones. However, after he failed to show up for practice, walkthroughs or meetings for a couple of days, the Patriots signed Bailey Zappe to the 53-man roster to serve as backup QB in his place. Instead of releasing Corral outright, however, the team opted to place him on the exempt/left list, which gives him a chance to return to the Patriots.
Though the Patriots did not give any explanation for their decision on Corral, MMQB’s Albert Breer said on NBC Sports Boston’s Patriots Pregame Live that Patriots coach Bill Belichick did this “out of fairness to the kid because he’s been through a lot.”
Corral has been open in the past about his mental health struggles, specifically his battle with depression.
After the news of Corral’s disappearance became public, people took to social media to show support for the quarterback, with fans more focused on his health than on whether he would play again or not.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick confirmed on Monday (September 11) that the team had been in contact with the QB since he left the team, but gave no further details on the situation or Corral’s state of mind.
We hope Matt Corral is okay and that he gets the help he needs.