The Baltimore Ravens are preparing for Thursday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars with one of the NFL’s most unusual quarterback situations.
Lamar Jackson suffered a thumb injury during Sunday’s loss to Buffalo, while backup Tyler Huntley also was injured during the game.
The Ravens subsequently turned to undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano, who made his NFL debut under extremely difficult circumstances.
With Jackson and Huntley facing significant injury concerns, Fagnano has emerged as the likely starting option for Thursday.
How Baltimore reached this point
Jackson’s injury occurred on the opening offensive play against the Bills when his throwing hand made contact with Buffalo defender Greg Rousseau.
Joe Fagnano named Ravens starting QB for Week 9. https://t.co/duH1orGOK7
— NFL (@NFL) November 3, 2026
The Ravens later lost Huntley to a toe injury, forcing Fagnano into action. The rookie completed 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards with one interception during Baltimore’s 36-10 defeat.
Fagnano also has dealt with an ankle issue, adding another complication to the team’s preparations.
Huntley reportedly suffered a season-ending turf toe injury, while Jackson’s recovery timeline remains uncertain. The combination has left Baltimore scrambling to assemble enough healthy quarterback depth for Thursday’s game.
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Who is Joe Fagnano?
Fagnano entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie and began the season well behind Jackson on Baltimore’s depth chart.
He was not expected to receive such an important opportunity this early in his professional career.
But injuries can change an NFL roster quickly, particularly at quarterback.
Fagnano now faces the possibility of making his first professional start with limited experience and little preparation time.
That is an enormous challenge for any young quarterback, especially against a Jacksonville team that will have an opportunity to pressure an inexperienced opponent.
Ravens add emergency options
Baltimore has worked to address its quarterback depth by adding other players.
Kaden Slovis joined the organization after spending time with Green Bay’s practice squad, while Austin Reed was added as another potential option.
Those moves provide alternatives, but they do not replace the experience and playmaking ability Jackson brings to the offense.
The Ravens must simplify their approach enough to support whichever quarterback starts.
For Fagnano, the opportunity could become a defining early moment in his career.
For Baltimore, the immediate concern is surviving a short week while dealing with an extraordinary run of injuries at the game’s most important position.
