LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Dwayne Haskins completed 10 of 17 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown and showed flashes of why the Washington Redskins consider him their quarterback of the future in a 20-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in each team's preseason finale Thursday.
The 15th overall pick out of Ohio State was 4 of 5 for 70 yards on an eight-play, 75-yard scoring drive capped off with a TD pass to receiver Steven Sims, who impressed on offense and special teams in his final showcase to make Washington's initial roster.
Working behind a second-string offensive line, Haskins missed a handful of throws and had a few passes wiped out by penalties but got the snaps coach Jay Gruden wanted after naming veteran Case Keenum the Week 1 starting quarterback.
Assuming Colt McCoy remains sidelined with the lingering effects of surgery on a broken right leg, Haskins figures to back up Keenum against Philadelphia in the regular-season opener. Haskins flashed his cannon arm against Baltimore, though that was never in doubt and Washington's staff wants to see him polish his footwork and game-management skills.
Far less-touted rookie Trace McSorley went 15 of 27 for 171 yards and a touchdown to make his case for Baltimore to keep another quarterback along with starter Lamar Jackson and backup Robert Griffin III. McSorley engineered a 13-play, 69-yard drive that finished with a perfect over-the-shoulder pass to Jaleel Scott for a TD.
McSorley, a sixth-round pick out of Penn State, might get a roster spot because Griffin missed the entire preseason with a broken right thumb. Griffin is expected to be ready for Week 1.
Linebacker Cassanova McKinzy getting a concussion in the first quarter and being ruled out for the rest of the game could have a trickle-down effect on the Redskins' 53-man roster. McKinzy was expected to be one of four outside linebackers on the roster, and his status could change the numbers game ahead of cuts Saturday.
With big decisions to make at wide receiver, cornerback and along the offensive line, Washington might have to take a hit elsewhere to keep — or sign — another outside linebacker at least for Week 1 at Philadelphia.
The Ravens finished the preseason undefeated for the fourth consecutive year and extended their exhibition winning streak to 17 games. Their previous preseason loss came Sept. 3, 2015.
Ravens open the regular season at the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 8.
