With the Baltimore Ravens set to rest quarterback Lamar Jackson and a handful of other players in Week 17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, it’s a golden opportunity for backups to get some field time. One player who hasn’t had a single snap this season, quarterback Trace McSorley, could be on the docket for significant playing time this week.
According to special teams coordinator Chris Horton, McSorley could have a role on special teams in some capacity.
Throughout training camp, McSorley got some time as a punt returner. But Horton noted McSorley came to Baltimore with some “tackling skills” which could mean we’ll see the reserve quarterback act as a gunner as well.
For his part, McSorley said all the right things this week. He said he doesn’t know if or when the time will come to get on the field, but he’s been preparing like it’ll happen and is excited to see some action.
"I'm definitely excited, it's a big opportunity. Just have to be ready."@McSorley_IX talks about the possibility of seeing his first regular season action: pic.twitter.com/YiRWeOaN18
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 24, 2019
McSorley also talked a bit about keeping up with quarterbacks coach James Urban to be involved in each week’s gameplan throughout the season, potentially hinting at some snaps on offense as well.
With Jackson sitting out, McSorley will automatically be the primary backup to Robert Griffin III. But as we’ve seen a few times this season, offensive coordinator Greg Roman hasn’t been afraid to toss two quarterbacks on the field at the same time to help confuse opponents. With the game effectively being a scrimmage for Baltimore, getting McSorley some meaningful reps against a quality defense would make a ton of sense to see how far he’s progressed this season.
McSorley got a bulk of the playing time throughout the preseason but didn’t play at all on special teams. He finished going 51-of-90 (56.7%) for 533 yards, four passing touchdowns and two interceptions. McSorley also added another 47 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.
Baltimore has kept McSorley on the 53-man roster this season but he hasn’t been active for a game yet. While pushing McSorley to the practice squad would have freed up a spot on the roster that could have been useful, it’s also ensured another team can’t poach him either.
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