Matt Corral Goes AWOL (and Other Patriots Transactions)

Just nine days after being claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots, QB Matt Corral has apparently gone AWOL. Yesterday Corral was placed on the “Exempt/Left Squad List” which is seldom seen on the NFL transaction report. This move enabled New England to promote Bailey Zappe back from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, to serve as Mac Jones’ backup on Sunday.

But what happened to Corral?

According to Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal, Corral would have been ineligible for the designation he received unless he literally just left the team. Apparently that is exactly what happened, with Corral going missing for two days following Thursday’s team practice. As of now, thanks to the “Exempt/Left Squad” option, the Patriots have not released Corral, and no other team is able to claim him. Regardless, it is certainly an odd and potentially scary situation worth keeping an eye on.

Saturday’s New England Patriots transactions also saw RB Ty Montgomery signed to the 53-man roster, and LB/ST Calvin Munson elevated from the practice squad. In addition to the Corral move, New England placed CB Jack Jones (recently cleared of criminal charges) on IR with a hamstring injury. Being placed on Injured Reserve (as the Patriots previously did with WR Tyquan Thornton and OL Riley Reiff) means Jones will miss at least the first 4 games of the regular season.