Ravens Rely on Rookie Fagnano After Jackson and Huntley Injuries

Lamar Jackson’s right thumb took a hit on the very first offensive snap of the Baltimore Ravens’ game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday in Orchard Park. The injury forced the starting quarterback to leave the field before the first quarter ended, leaving the team without its primary passer for the remainder of the contest.

Jackson was dropping back to throw a pass to Zay Flowers when his right hand collided with the arm of Bills pass rusher Greg Rousseau. He immediately signaled to his thumb and took a knee before walking down the tunnel. The Ravens initially listed him as questionable but officially ruled him out shortly after.

The damage did not stop there. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley entered the game to replace Jackson but suffered a toe injury during the second quarter. Huntley was sacked by Bills safety Cole Bishop on third down at the Baltimore 40 and fumbled the ball. The Ravens declared Huntley out for the third quarter, leaving the offense in the hands of their emergency option.

Joe Fagnano, an undrafted rookie from Connecticut, stepped in to make his NFL debut. He completed his first two pass attempts for a total of 28 yards. The team had previously gone 1-2 in three games without Jackson, during which their offensive production dropped sharply under Huntley. Baltimore scored 63 fewer points and averaged three fewer yards per play in that stretch compared to the first three games of the season with Jackson at the helm.

The Ravens entered the matchup with a 4-3 record. The loss of both quarterbacks occurred on a day when Jackson was making his first start after missing three games due to an ankle injury.