Frank Reich addresses Matt Corral's preseason growth

As the roster deadline looms nearer, the Carolina Panthers must evaluate each member of the team for their potential contribution this season and in seasons to come. For Panthers third-string quarterback Matt Corral, plainly sitting behind rookie Bryce Young and veteran Andy Dalton, time is ticking. The team could choose to keep him on, or potentially trade him away to a team in need of a talented backup.

Carolina head coach Frank Reich spoke highly this week, however, of Corral’s development. His comments could indicate a desire to keep him and to continue his growth as part of their organization.

The former third-rounder out of Ole Miss has had the most snaps of any Panthers quarterback this preseason. Over his 69 snaps, he’s completed 24 of his 35 pass attempts for 197 yards and an interception.

In the Giants’ narrow win over Carolina on Friday, Corral went 9-for-13 for 71 yards.

“Every decision, as we say, is multi-factorial,” Reich said. “Premium on that position. You like to be able to develop guys. I think Matt’s done a good job and has continued to develop. So, feel good about the steps he’s taken.”

Although Young is expected to start in Carolina’s final preseason game versus the Lions on Friday, Corral will still get more opportunities to impress the staff. Since the NFL changed the rules to allow an emergency third quarterback this offseason, it’s likely that the Panthers choose to hold on to the former Rebel in case they need him instead of finding someone new from outside their system.

Young expected to start for Panthers versus Lions

For fans yearning to see another glimpse of Panthers’ quarterback Bryce Young in the preseason, it looks like they’ll probably get their wish. On Sunday afternoon, Carolina head coach Frank Reich responded to a question as to whether or not Young would play in his team’s final preseason game on Friday, Aug. 25th against the Detroit Lions.

He said, “Probably so,” according to Anthony Rizzuti.

While Young has looked good in the preseason and certainly poised, his offensive line has not done him any favors and he’s been taking a number of brutal hits.

The former Alabama star got three series of work in during the preseason opener against the New York Jets.

Young, though part of a 27-0 shutout defeat, completed 4-of-6 passes for 21 yards while routinely seeing pressure in his face.