CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Corral suffered a setback in his rookie campaign Friday night, even before his season really got going.
The Panthers’ signal-caller suffered a tear of the Lisfranc ligament in his left foot during his final series in the fourth quarter of the team’s second preseason game at New England. Initially, the team believed Corral was stepped on, causing the injury. But Rhule said he is unsure exactly when the injury occurred.
“That was an unfortunate thing, but getting stepped on can happen in a team practice,” Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said Saturday. “Just a freak thing.
“I hate it for him. I thought he was playing well, too.”
Rhule said Corral’s injury could change the math on how many quarterbacks the team keeps on its final 53-man roster. Originally, the team planned on keeping three QBs after having four healthy options in camp.
Corral was stepped on and twisted during a play late in the fourth quarter. The pocket collapsed around him in his own end zone.
He left New England in a walking boot. The team was concerned on the team plane after the game based on trainer and doctor evaluations, and an MRI Saturday morning in Charlotte confirmed the tear of the Lisfranc ligament.
Rhule said some veteran players gave up their first-class seats on the team’s plane ride home Friday night so Corral could elevate his foot.
If Corral’s injury requires surgery, he will likely be moved to the season-ending injured reserved list.
Lisfranc fractures are considered significant. Former Panthers quarterback Cam Newton suffered the same injury at Gillette Stadium in 2019, and that cost him his season.
According to multiple sources, Corral will likely require an open surgical procedure on his left foot to stabilize the arch in his mid-foot using plates and screws. Lisfranc ligament damage often leads to a season-ending injury.
The average NFL recovery time for Lisfranc injuries is about 11 months. Data suggests that pocket quarterbacks tend to recover fully to pre-injury production compared to skill position players who usually see a temporary decline.
Corral was competing to be the team’s No. 3 quarterback. In two preseason games, he had 24 pass attempts and a 42% completion percentage.
Carolina drafted Corral at No. 94 after trading their fourth-round pick (No. 137) and their 2023 third-round pick to the New England Patriots. Carolina considered Corral among the top three quarterbacks in this draft class.
In 2021, Corral threw for 3,342 yards, rushed for 614 and totaled 31 touchdowns with Ole Miss.
“I know Matt’s a battler, so this year of development, he’s going to have to grind, both taking care of his foot and all the things he needs to do as a quarterback,” Rhule said. “Hopefully some day, he’ll look back and say it was a blessing, but I hate it for him right now.”
