Carolina Panthers Suffer Huge QB Blow After Serious Injury Calls Curtain On This Superstar’s 2022 NFL Season

Carolina Panthers face their first preseason blow in the form of Matt Corral suffering a serious injury against the New England Patriots. The rookie quarterback was taken to the locker room as soon as he felt uncomfortable to continue with the game. Although a Lisfranc injury sounds minor, the team describes it as a significant one that could hamper his entire rookie season and the team’s aspirations. Head coach Matt Rhule came forward to share the updates later the same day.

Matt Corral potentially out for the season

The 23-year-old Ole Miss product was acquired by Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft. Although Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold are still on the roster, Corral adds to the team’s depth chart. Per reports, he incurred the injury after stepping foot on the ground while he was leading the offensive unit. He was forced out of the contest, following which he got X-rays done and other preliminary treatments.

That’s when it was confirmed the signal-caller had a Lisfranc injury that could cost him an entire season to recover. “I hate it for him. I hate it any time one of our guys is hurt,” Rhule said to the reporters.

Rhule added, “I know Matt’s a battler. So this year of development, he’s just gonna have to grind. Just taking care of his foot and all the things he needs to do as a quarterback. So hopefully someday he’ll look back and say it was a blessing. But I hate it for him right now.”

While the Panthers suffered little from a 20-10 loss to the Patriots, it’s the loss of a superstar rookie quarterback that hurt the NFC South side more.

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Moreover, Baker Mayfield’s inclusion had already buried his chances for the starting position. And now this injury has officiated the speculation that he won’t be getting back anytime soon.

Carolina Panthers have interesting options at the starting spot

Before nibbling at the bait that was the former Cleveland Browns quarterback, the Panthers tightened their seat belts with Sam Darnold as the No 1 QB. However, there was a need to have reserve options to meet the level of other top-tier QBs in the NFL. Baker Mayfield was already a hot prospect in the market, and the only reason that kept him behind was the salary cap.

While the Browns and Panthers have come to an agreement to distribute the expenses, Mayfield found a new home with fewer competitors in the locker room. Although Mayfield is a clear favorite over Darnold, coach Rhule doesn’t want to rush his decisions.

Looking at the preseason performance and training sessions, the head coach seemed impressed. He revealed that both of them were in command, leading the offensive unit. “Sam got us in the end zone, Baker led us down the field, so it looked like both guys played well,” Rhule said after the match. It will be interesting to see who starts for the franchise in week one against the Cleveland Browns.

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