Tag: Trace McSorley

Former Penn State QBs Sean Clifford and Trace McSorley among NFL cut day victims

A number of Penn State players were cut by NFL teams as rosters began reducing to 53-man rosters.

Tuesday brought on a tough day for so many football players around the NFL. That is the day when NFL teams began trimming their rosters down to the 53-man minimum, and a number of former Penn State players were among the players being cut into the free agent waters of the pros.

Two notable names being cut by their respective NFL franchises were former Penn State quarterbacks [autotag]Sean Clifford[/autotag] and [autotag]Trace McSorley[/autotag]. McSorely was a late addition to the Washington Commanders roster this summer, so his early exit was not particularly shocking to see. Clifford was a fifth-round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers last season. Unfortunately, Clifford’s performance this preseason didn’t help convince the Packers he was the best option to be the backup to franchise quarterback Jordan Love.

The Packers also cut former defensive back [autotag]Kalen King[/autotag], who was a seventh-round draft pick of Green Bay in the 2023 NFL draft.

In addition to cutting McSorley, the Commanders also cut former Penn State wide receiver [autotag]Mitchell Tinsley[/autotag]. It was just days ago the Commanders also traded former Nittany Lion Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Commanders also parted ways with former defensive back [autotag]Tariq Castro-Fields[/autotag].

Four other former Penn State receivers were also shown the door; [autotag]KJ Hamler[/autotag] and [autotag]Justin Shorter[/autotag] with the Buffalo Bills, [autotag]Allen Robinson[/autotag] with the New York Giants, and Dan Chisena with the Arizona Cardinals.

Linebacker [autotag]Curtis Jacobs[/autotag] was cut by the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. And former running back [autotag]Noah Cain[/autotag] was released by the Cincinnati Bengals.

You can see the full list of former Penn State players who have been cut by NFL teams in the social media posts from Sam Fremin, via X, below.

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Commanders PFF grades: Best performers in preseason finale vs. Patriots

Which players earned the highest grades in the preseason finale?

The Washington Commanders defeated the New England Patriots 20-10 on Sunday in the preseason finale. Washington rested 34 players, virtually all of its starters and top backups against the Patriots.

It was the last chance for those on the field to impress Washington in hopes of making the 53-man roster. All 32 NFL teams must have their rosters at 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

The Commanders struggled offensively in the first half against New England, but recently signed quarterback Trace McSorley led them to 20 second-half points, including two fourth-quarter touchdown drives. The moment was a dream come true for McSorley, an Ashburn native and a fan of Washington growing up.

McSorley completed 12 of 21 passes for 125 yards with a touchdown pass. McSorley also rushed for 40 yards. With his performance, it was no surprise that Pro Football Focus gave McSorley a solid grade for his performance.

Which other Commanders had passing grades from PFF? Here are Washington’s five-highest-graded players from Sunday’s win over the Patriots:

  • DT John Ridgeway: 87.0
  • DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste: 72.6  
  • S Sheldrick Redwine: 72.2
  • CB Tariq Castro-Fields: 70.4  
  • QB Trace McSorley: 69.8

Ridgeway was all over the place in Sunday’s game. He played 18 snaps, but they were impactful, registering three tackles, including two for loss and one pass defended.

It was Redwine’s first game with the Commanders after signing last week.

Commanders defeat Patriots 20-10 in preseason finale

Washington wraps up the preseason with a 20-10 win over the Patriots.

The Washington Commanders defeated the New England Patriots 20-10 on Sunday night to complete the 2024 preseason.

The Commanders went into halftime trailing 7-0, as the offense failed to get going in the first half. However, things began to shift in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarterback, behind quarterback Trace McSorley.

McSorley, an Ashburn native signed less than two weeks ago, led the Commanders to 20 second-half points. McSorley led four scoring drives, including two touchdown drives. Washington’s first touchdown came in the fourth quarter when undrafted rookie running back Michael Wiley scored his second touchdown of the preseason.

After a defensive stop, McSorley led an impressive nine-play, 86-yard drive culminating with a four-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Martavis Bryant. Like McSorley, Bryant only recently signed with the Commanders after being out of the NFL for six years.

Another newcomer, kicker Cade York, made both of his field goal and point-after attempts.

McSorley completed 12 of 21 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. McSorley also rushed for 40 yards. Jeff Driskel started the game and completed 12 of 18 passes for 73 yards with an interception.

The Commanders rushed for 114 yards with McSorley leading the way.

Washington finishes the preseason with a 1-2 record and now prepares for a Week 1 game at Tampa Bay.

WATCH: Commanders QB Trace McSorley levels defender and teammates love it

McSorley had all of his teammates fired up.

Trace McSorley is living his best life right now. Growing up in Ashburn, Virginia, McSorley was a fan of the Washington NFL franchise. Less than two weeks ago, a dream came true for McSorley when the Commanders signed him to be their fourth quarterback with rookie Sam Hartman injured.

McSorley got his first taste of action against the Miami Dolphins in last week’s second preseason game.

However, this weekend was even more special for the 29-year-old former Penn State star. McSorley would be Washington’s primary backup quarterback, with Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota receiving the night off. That would mean McSorley would play most, if not all, of the second half in front of the home fans at Commanders Field.

Things went well for McSorley, who led two touchdown drives in the fourth quarter to give the Commanders a 20-10 win over the New England Patriots in the final preseason game.

On Washington’s final touchdown drive, McSorley excited his entire team as he carried the ball toward the sideline and put his shoulder into Patriots cornerback Azizi Hearn, dropping him to the ground.

Everyone was fired up. Daniels, linebacker Frankie Luvu, and rookie safety Tyler Owens were among those who celebrated McSorley’s “hit.”

Whether or not the Commanders keep McSorley on their 53-man roster, he lived out a dream. As far as his play, McSorley completed 12 of 21 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 40 yards on four attempts.

 

Trace McSorley excited to play for his hometown Commanders

McSorley excited to play for his hometown team.

The Washington Commanders didn’t need to look for quarterback depth this week. With veteran Marcus Mariota and rookie Sam Hartman sidelined for Washington’s Week 2 preseason game, the Commanders signed Ashburn, Virginia native Trace McSorley.

After a record-setting career at Briar Woods High School, where he won two state championships, he went on to Penn State, starting for three seasons, and broke several school records.

The Ravens selected McSorley in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL draft, where he spent three seasons. Since his time with Baltimore ended, McSorley has spent time with the Cardinals, Patriots, Bears and Steelers. It was his time in Arizona where he played for current Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

McSorley was with the Commanders on Thursday for their joint practice with the Dolphins, where he spoke about joining his hometown team.

“It’s exciting, obviously when I was a kid, I grew up going to training camp, practices, and things of that nature, followed the team, so being back in the area, being familiar, a place I used to drive by all the time as a kid and look at in awe,” McSorley said. “So, yesterday me pulling up and walking in for the first time was pretty cool.”

McSorley understands this is an audition and nothing is guaranteed, but he’s determined to make the most of his opportunity, whether it’s in Washington or for one of the NFL’s other 31 teams.

Commanders’ Marcus Mariota injured, out for Saturday’s game

Marcus Mariota and Sam Hartman are out Saturday.

Injuries happen every season, but you certainly cringe when your second quarterback goes down.

That’s the situation for the Commanders as Dan Quinn announced backup quarterback Marcus Mariota won’t be playing Saturday against the Dolphins.

Mariota apparently has an injured groin, and the coaches aren’t comfortable asking him to play in Saturday’s second preseason game. Rather than risking further injury, Quinn has determined it best to rest Mariota on Saturday, keeping him out of the action and preventing him from further injury.

QB Sam Hartman (shoulder) was injured last week vs. the Jets and is also unable to play against the Dolphins. Quinn has yet to make clear how much starter Jayden Daniels will play. But Mariota’s injury most likely means Jeff Driskel will see the most action, with Trace McSorley finishing the game.

The former Oregon Duck quarterback spent the first five years of his NFL career with the Tennessee Titans (2015-19), before moving westward to the Raiders (2020-21), Falcons (2022) and Eagles (2023).

Quinn has praised Mariota for his attitude and approach to this season. There had been some friction in Atlanta, with Mariota not finishing the season well with the Falcons (2022).

However, two seasons later, Mariota, according to Quinn has accepted his role as a supportive, veteran leader of the team in general, and the quarterback room and Jayden Daniels in particular.

Like Daniels, Mariota was drafted second overall in the NFL Draft (2015). Consequently, he understands the pressure of being the franchise quarterback, expected to rescue the team from the depths of the NFL. Therefore, Mariota could be a huge help psychologically, encouraging and mentoring Daniels.

 

Commanders are signing quarterback Trace McSorley

The Commanders sign a veteran QB with local ties due to Sam Hartman’s shoulder injury.

Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Sam Hartman injured his right throwing shoulder in last week’s preseason-opening loss to the New York Jets. Hartman left the game and did not return.

On Monday, head coach Dan Quinn offered an update on Hartman.

“Sam will be out today and tomorrow, and I would say if he and a couple of other guys don’t make it back in time for practice, they wouldn’t play on Saturday; that would be where we’re at,” Quinn said. He did say that Hartman’s injury didn’t appear to be a long-term concern.

Washington is off on Wednesday as the team travels to Miami for Thursday’s joint practice. With Hartman missing Monday and Tuesday’s practice, Quinn said he’d be out for the week. In response, the Commanders added more quarterback depth, signing veteran Trace McSorley, per Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C.

McSorley, 28, was a three-year starter at Penn State. The Baltimore Ravens selected him in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL draft. He spent the first three seasons with Baltimore, but in his third season, the Arizona Cardinals signed him off the Ravens practice squad.

Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was Arizona’s head coach at that time.

McSorley spent the remainder of the 2021 season with the Cardinals and all of 2022. In April 2023, he signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots but was released during final cuts. In October, the Bears signed McSorley to their practice squad but released him the following month.

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed McSorley to their practice squad in December and released him at the end of the season.

McSorley is an Ashburn native, growing up minutes from Washington’s team headquarters. He played at Briar Woods High School and led them to three state championships. The 5-foot-11, 211-pound McSorley has appeared in nine career NFL games with one start. He has completed 48 of his 91 passing attempts with 502 yards, one touchdown, and five interceptions.

To make room for McSorley, Washington is releasing second-year offensive lineman Mason Brooks. Brooks signed with the Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2023.

Quinn will next speak to the media on Thursday ahead of Washington’s practice with Miami.

 

 

Five Nittany Lions who deserve to be on the cover of EA Sports’ College Football 25

Five Penn State players that deserve to be on the cover of EA Sports’ College Football 25

Social media exploded on Thursday morning as EA Sports dropped a teaser video for College Football 25, and Penn State fans shared the excitement of the entire college football community. Due to naming rights and licensing with the players, EA Sports has been unable to release a new installment of the game since 2013. But with the world of NIL at an all-time high, those difficulties are no more, and the game will be back this summer just in time for the new college football season.

If you watch closely during the teaser, Penn State is one of only a few schools to be shown throughout the trailer, along with Oklahoma, Florida, Notre Dame, Alabama, Michigan State, Nebraska, Michigan, Texas A&M, Florida State, and Georgia. This may not mean much, but this does all but guarantee that Penn State will be included in the game’s newest edition.

In the 11 years since the previous game, the Nittany Lions have had some dominant collegiate players who never got to see themselves in a video game unless they made it to the NFL. Several Nittany Lions delivered video game cover-worthy performances, so there is no shortage of options if EA Sports decides to put a Penn State player on the cover.

With three consensus All-Americans, four first-round NFL draft picks, six New Year’s Six bowl appearances, and five 10-plus win seasons since the release of the last NCAA Football game, Penn State fans will for sure have many players that come to mind when discussing the next cover athlete.

Penn State’s ability to consistently win double-digit wins makes Penn State one of the best programs to build from if they choose to play dynasty/franchise mode, but as the much-anticipated game’s release draws closer, here are five Nittany Lions who deserve a shot at being on the cover.

Steelers release QB Trace McSorley from practice squad

The Steelers released Trace MCSorley on Tuesday.

With Kenny Pickett fully healthy and Mason Rudolph named the starter, the Pittsburgh Steelers had one quarterback too many. So on Tuesday, the team released former Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley from the practice squad.

This leaves Pickett and Rudolph along with Mitch Trubisky on the roster for this week’s playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. The Steelers added McSorley after Pickett suffered his high ankle sprain.

Pittsburgh will likely use Trubisky this week to play Josh Allen on the scout team. Trubisky has a strong familiarity with the Bills offense after his time there and is the guy who can most closely mimick Allen’s athleticism.

The Steelers and Bills square off in Buffalo at 1 PM ET on Sunday, January 14 in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.

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Every Penn State player in the NFL playoffs in 2024

Here is every former Penn State football player on an NFL playoff team’s roster in 2024.

Another NFL postseason is set to get underway, and there is a good chance at least one team playing in the Super Bowl will have a Penn State player on the roster. All but two teams in this year’s NFL playoffs have at least one Penn State player on the roster this year. The top seeds in each conference have multiple Penn State players on the roster, seemingly making it more likely Penn State will see a former player earn a Super Bowl ring.

In all, a total of 64 Super Bowl rings have been won by a former Penn State player. Last year’s Super Bowl had just one former Penn State player on the field, but Miles Sanders and the Philadelphia Eagles came up short of winning the big game. There is an excellent chance there will be more than one former Nittany Lion competing in the Super Bowl this postseason.

The Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns are the only two teams in the NFL postseason without a Penn State player on the roster. Here is a look at every Penn State player on an NFL playoff team’s roster this postseason.