Ravens sign former Penn State QB Trace McSorley to practice squad

The Baltimore Ravens officially signed Trace McSorley to their practice squad, the team announced Wednesday afternoon.

The former Penn State quarterback didn’t stay away from the Ravens for long. The Ravens waived McSorley during roster cuts Tuesday, but Baltimore signed him back to its 16-man practice squad Wednesday, according to The Athletic.

McSorley, 26, spent the first two years of his NFL career as one of the Ravens’ backup quarterbacks behind starter Lamar Jackson, who was the NFL MVP in 2019. McSorley has appeared in three games in those seasons, and he’s completed 3 of 10 passes for 90 yards and one touchdown with six rushes for 18 yards.

McSorley ended the 2020 season on injured reserve after he suffered a knee injury in a December win over the Cleveland Browns.

McSorley was competing with second-year pro Tyler Huntley to back up Jackson this season, but McSorley was hampered by a back injury he suffered away from the field during the preseason. Ultimately, the Ravens kept Huntley as their backup behind Jackson.

Baltimore, though, has typically kept three quarterbacks on their active roster since Jackson became the full-time starter. The Baltimore Sun also pointed out that Jackson’s issues with covid-19 and his vaccination status could make McSorley an appealing option to have around.

The NFL’s roster rules have become more flexible during the coronavirus pandemic, so it would be easier for the Ravens to move McSorley between the active roster and the practice squad if need be.

Baltimore opens the season at the Las Vegas Raiders on Sept. 13.

The Ravens originally drafted McSorley with the No. 197 overall pick in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

McSorley ended his Penn State career as one of the most prolific players in program history with 9,899 passing yards and 77 passing touchdowns to go with 1,697 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns.