Trace McSorley likely to make Arizona Cardinals roster

Starting both preseason games, Trace McSorley looks to be a lock

Just by the way things have gone for the Arizona Cardinals over the first two preseason games, it appears the team is resigned to the idea of carrying a third quarterback. Trace McSorley has now taken the majority of snaps over the first two weeks, going 1-1 in his two starts.

After looking impressive at times, going 13-22 for 163-yards and a touchdown in the preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on August 12, he appeared to take a step back in progress on Sunday night in the Cardinals 24-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.  McSorley went 18-34 for 229-yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. Despite throwing more attempts and passing for greater yardage, McSorley appeared off on Sunday night.

However, after two preseason games, it appears the Cardinals are doing everything to convince themselves, and fans, that Trace McSorley is strong enough to hold one of the 53 positions on the final roster come September.  With Kyler Murray not playing in the preseason and it appears the same for backup Colt McCoy, that leaves McSorley and fourth quarterback Jarrett Guarantano fighting for the third quarterback roster spot.

This, of course, is assuming the Cardinals will carry a third quarterback. All signs indicate that they will.  Guarantano came into the game in the fourth quarter to throw a touchdown against the Ravens, but at that point the Cardinals were playing from behind.  It was clear that head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s plan was to play McSorley as long as possible.

He scrambles and is as mobile as Murray at times.  He seems to have good arm strength at times, he overthrew a couple of receivers against the Ravens.  The accuracy does need some work, though he was hurt by a huge drop in the end zone that would have resulted in a touchdown pass Sunday evening.

All that said, Guarantano doesn’t appear to be headed to the 53-man roster. However, as well as he has played with his 10-16 for 91-yards and two touchdowns in his two relief appearances, it just won’t be enough to supplant McSorley on the depth chart.  Guarantano could be a candidate for the practice squad.

Kingsbury has already said they will play just the two quarterbacks only against the Tennessee Titans this Saturday in Nashville.  The team heads out to Tennessee for a couple of joint practices with the Titans prior to facing them Saturday.  Look for Trace McSorley to be on the final 53-man roster come next Tuesday, August 30th, the NFL’s deadline date to get down to the final 53.