NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings
Aug 22, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Fagnano (12) throws a pass against the Minnesota Vikings during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Baltimore Ravens backup quarterback Tyler Huntley’s season is over, and two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson is also out indefinitely. Baltimore will hand its offense to undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano on Thursday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
NFL insider Adam Schefter reported Wednesday that tests confirmed a season-ending turf toe injury for Huntley, who went down in the second quarter of Sunday’s 36-10 loss at Buffalo. Ravens coach Jesse Minter named Fagnano the starter a day earlier.
“We’ll be starting Joe at quarterback this week on Thursday,” Minter said. “An opportunity we’re fired up about. Excited to play in front of our fans Thursday night against a really good team.”
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Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley injury updates
NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (5) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals | Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
Jackson’s return from a high left ankle sprain that cost him three games lasted one snap. His right hand struck Bills outside linebacker Greg Rousseau on the follow-through of a pass, and he left the field with a visibly damaged thumb.
Jackson needs surgery and has been placed on injured reserve, which keeps him out at least four games. Asked whether the injury could end his season, Minter said, “Potentially, but we’ll see where it’s at.”
Huntley, who went 1-2 as the starter while Jackson’s ankle healed, lasted about 10 snaps before hurting his toe on a sack-fumble. The loss dropped Baltimore to 4-4 with three straight defeats and into last place in the AFC North, just days after Jackson’s return figured to open up the offense against Buffalo.
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Who is Joe Fagnano?
NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Fagnano (12) drops back for a pass during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Fagnano, 25, began his college career as a walk-on at Maine and finished it at UConn before signing with Baltimore as an undrafted free agent. He beat out fellow undrafted rookie Diego Pavia for a roster spot after completing 56 of 75 passes for 509 yards with three touchdowns and one interception in the preseason.
His NFL debut didn’t go smoothly. Fagnano went 10 of 21 for 91 yards with an interception and a lost fumble against Buffalo, and he’s playing through an ankle injury that limited him Monday before he practiced fully Tuesday.
Still, Minter likes how the UConn product earned his spot.
“Going all the way back, it’s a guy that took advantage of opportunities,” Minter said. He also described the rookie as “cool, calm and collected.”
Fagnano will become the second undrafted rookie quarterback to start for the Ravens, joining Anthony Brown in 2022.
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Jaguars at Ravens on Thursday night
Baltimore signed Kedon Slovis off Green Bay’s practice squad to back up Fagnano and added Austin Reed to its practice squad. The Ravens could still pursue a veteran on the trade market, but the short week left Fagnano as the only realistic option for Thursday.
Jacksonville arrives at 5-2 and atop the AFC South, though it lost defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton for the season. That opens the door for Derrick Henry and the Baltimore ground game to carry more of the load and take pressure off a rookie making his first start.
Jaguars at Ravens kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET Thursday at M&T Bank Stadium.
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Matt De Lima
Matt De Lima brings 15+ years of elite sports media experience to the table. From covering the gridiron to the hardwood, this Virginia Tech graduate has established himself as a versatile editor and writer for heavy hitters like Sports Illustrated and DraftKings. A twice-nominated FSWA finalist, Matt combines a digital-first philosophy with an eagle eye for breaking news, consistently delivering the engaging coverage today’s audience demands across the NFL, NBA, MLB, and beyond.
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