Trace McSorley, Tyler Huntley detail importance of getting extra reps with Lamar Jackson sidelined

The Baltimore Ravens are navigating through not having quarterback Lamar Jackson on the practice field for the first bit of training camp after the star tested positive for COVID-19. Since Jackson is absent, that has provided more opportunities for backup quarterbacks Trace McSorley and Tyler Huntley to get work in with the first team offense, as well as getting in more reps overall.

After Baltimore’s open stadium practice at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday, both quarterbacks acknowledged the importance of the extra time they’re getting with starters and with coaches as well. McSorley said that he’s trying to take advantage of the reps he’s getting, but that he never wants to see a teammate get sick.

“You never want to see a teammate get sick or go down for any reason, but whatever opportunities we do get, ‘Snoop’ [Tyler Huntley] and I, and even Kenji [Behar], trying to take advantage of them. [We want to] control all the things we can control, and whatever opportunities, reps we can get, take advantage of it, because sometimes you don’t always get those reps. If you can get that opportunity to get in there and try to make the most out of it and really just use that time to build chemistry with these guys who we will be working with in the preseason.”

For Huntley, he talked about learning different aspects of the game while being with the first team.

“It’s just a good opportunity for us to get a couple more reps, just learn the different aspects of being out there with the first team and everything. It’s just a good opportunity right now.”

There’s no question that if healthy, Jackson is the starting quarterback of the Ravens. However, so far in his absence both McSorley and Huntley are showing that they can be a great option as the backup quarterback in Baltimore as they go head-to-head in a positional battle that should come down to the wire.