Rookie Joe Fagnano Starts Thursday as Ravens Face Quarterback Depth Crisis

Joe Fagnano will step into the starting quarterback role for the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The undrafted rookie makes his first career start after the team lost its remaining depth due to injuries to both established quarterbacks. This shift places a player with limited professional experience in charge of the offense during a primetime slot.

The situation developed over the last three days following a 36-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. During the second quarter, Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver tackled Tyler Huntley by twisting him to the ground after the ball was released. Medical tests confirmed a turf toe injury to Huntley's right foot, requiring surgery and ending his 2026 season. Starting quarterback Lamar Jackson also suffered a right thumb injury on the first snap of that same game, an issue coach Jesse Minter described as potentially season-ending.

Huntley had served as the primary backup all season, starting three games while filling in for Jackson. That included an overtime victory in Atlanta on October 11. In a seven-year career, Huntley compiled an 8-11 record as a starter, throwing 17 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions. His departure removes the team's only veteran option from the depth chart. The Ravens responded to the thinning roster by adding Austin Reed to the practice squad on Monday and signing Kedon Slovis off the Green Bay Packers' practice squad on Tuesday.

The current quarterback group lacks professional volume. Fagnano, Reed, and Slovis have combined for only 23 career pass attempts and 44 total snaps in the NFL. The trio has thrown zero touchdown passes in their professional careers. Fagnano practiced on Tuesday wearing a brace on his right ankle but participated in all activities and is expected to play. He will become the second undrafted quarterback to make a first career start in a primetime slot, following Cooper Rush of the Dallas Cowboys in 2021.