Ravens quarterback might not make it past the weekend after preseason flop

The Baltimore Ravens looked almost flawless in every phase of the game in their preseason win against the Indianapolis Colts. Almost. While they dominated on defense, ran the ball at a high efficiency, and made several splash plays on special teams, their passing game was utterly horrendous.

New backup quarterback Cooper Rush did not get much run. He completed two passes on four attempts for 16 yards, but threw an ugly interception on the first drive of the game. Second-year pro Devin Leary was the other quarterback to get reps, and he failed to do much in his opportunity.

Leary put on one of the worst preseason showings in recent memory, going 3/12 for 43 yards and throwing an interception with the team deep into Indianapolis territory. His stat line could have looked even worse if it were not for an impressive catch by rookie wide receiver LaJohntay Wester that went for 30 yards. Following the poor performance, Leary, who already had an uphill climb to begin with, might not even make it out of the weekend.

Devin Leary needs to step it up if he wants to make it through preseason

This is not the first time Leary has disappointed in the preseason. Last year, as a rookie sixth-round pick, he could not pick apart NFL defenses. He finished the 2024 preseason, completing 15 of 28 passes for 95 yards. He committed three turnovers, throwing two interceptions and losing one fumble, all coming in the team’s Week 3 matchup with the Green Bay Packers.

The 25-year-old failed to make the roster last year, but did latch on with Baltimore’s practice squad. However, after the abysmal showing on Thursday night, the future is not looking bright for Leary, and he might not even make the team’s practice squad.

Everything Leary has shown up to this point is nowhere near worthy of an NFL future, let alone a spot on the practice squad. Through four preseason games now, his timing, ball placement, and arm strength have all disappointed. Going into the first weekend after preseason action, the Ravens could begin the search for a new competitor in the quarterback room.

There are still capable veteran quarterbacks available in free agency if the Ravens decide they need a new signal-caller heading into the rest of the preseason. Carson Wentz and C.J. Beathard could be viable options.

However, they could also wait until the end of preseason and sign one off waivers to stash on their practice squad if Leary continues to struggle. It is just one preseason game, but Leary has failed to adjust to the NFL level in year two and may already be on the chopping block.

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