Ravens Turn to Undrafted Rookie Fagnano Amid Quarterback Crisis
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Baltimore will start Joe Fagnano against the Jacksonville Jaguars after injuries to Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley.
The Baltimore Ravens are facing a depleted depth chart heading into their Week 9 opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night. Coach Jesse Minter announced that undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano will start at quarterback, as CBS Sports first reported.
Baltimore's quarterback situation collapsed during the Week 8 game against the Buffalo Bills. Starting quarterback Lamar Jackson suffered a right thumb injury during a collision with Buffalo pass rusher Greg Rousseau on the first offensive snap, an injury that required surgery. Backup Tyler Huntley then entered the game but was forced out after suffering a turf toe injury. CBS Sports reports that Minter indicated both Jackson and Huntley will likely be placed on injured reserve prior to Thursday, meaning Fagnano's start could be the first of several.
Fagnano, a 25-year-old UConn product who beat out fellow undrafted rookie Diego Pavia for a roster spot, entered the Buffalo game as the emergency third quarterback. In that appearance, he completed 10-of-21 passes for 91 yards, throwing one interception and losing a fumble, as reported by CBS Sports. During the preseason, Fagnano completed 56-of-75 passes for 509 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
Questions remain regarding Fagnano's own health. CBS Sports noted that Fagnano appeared to injure his ankle during the loss to Buffalo and was seen wearing a large brace on his right ankle during Tuesday's practice. When questioned about the injury, Fagnano described it as "bumps and bruises" and stated that it "feels good."
In addition to the quarterback injuries, the Ravens are placing kicker Tyler Loop on injured reserve, per CBS Sports.