The Ravens’ quarterback situation went from bad to worse on Monday.
After Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills left Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley banged up, Baltimore now has another issue on its hands: undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano is dealing with an ankle injury, too. He was listed as limited on Monday, though head coach Jesse Minter said he still expects Fagnano to have a shot to play Thursday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jackson’s day ended almost as soon as it began. The quarterback, who had just come back from a high ankle sprain that kept him out for three games, hurt his right thumb on his first throw against Buffalo. He will need surgery and is headed to injured reserve, and Minter said the injury could “potentially” end his season.
Huntley stepped in after Jackson went down, but he picked up a toe injury in the second quarter. That opened the door for Fagnano to make his NFL debut, and the rookie finished 10-of-21 for 91 yards with an interception in a 36-10 Bills win.
Baltimore fell to 4-4 with the loss, and the team has reportedly shown interest in trading for a veteran quarterback. On Monday, the Ravens also signed Austin Reed to the practice squad.
Fagnano, who went undrafted after playing at Maine and UConn, threw for 3,448 yards and 28 touchdowns with just one interception last season. He won the Ravens’ third-string job with a strong preseason, and now he may be forced into a much bigger role than anyone expected.
That’s because he’s not fully healthy either. Fagnano was hit low by Bills defensive lineman Ed Oliver on Sunday, but he stayed in the game and finished it. On Monday, he was limited during the Ravens’ walkthrough, and Minter acknowledged he’s working through some issues.
“To Joe’s credit, he’s kind of fighting through a couple things he’s dealing with,” Minter said, via the Ravens’ official website. “But expect him to have a chance to play on Thursday.”
Minter also said he had no update on Huntley’s status, adding that the team is “working through that as well.”
With a short week and the depth chart stretched thin, Baltimore may have little choice but to lean on Fagnano if he’s able to go. It’s a rough spot for the Ravens, and there’s no easy way around it.
In Other News...
Bills Reaction To Josh Allen Non-Call Says Plenty About Their Concern
Josh Allen took a dangerous hit from Baltimore linebacker Roquan Smith during the game, and the missed call afterward left Buffalo with more than just a gripe about officiating. The play drew immediate attention because it involved Allen in a vulnerable spot, and Bills head coach Joe Brady made clear after the game that he was surprised the officials did not flag it.
Brady also hinted at a larger ripple effect, saying the way the sequence was handled could have influenced how the Bills approached the rest of the game. The league is expected to fine Smith for the infraction, which would make it a repeat offense and only add to Buffalos frustration over a moment that went unpunished in real time. [Read more 🡒]
TeCory Couch Gave Bills Fans A Reason To Trust This Defense
The Bills back seven had been under a microscope heading into Week 8, and TeCory Couch gave the group a steadier feel against the Ravens. The nickel corner, who had only recently been elevated from the practice squad, fit into the defense with a calm, disciplined approach that showed up in zone coverage and in the way he helped keep the secondary organized against Baltimore.
Couch also brought a physical edge when Buffalo needed it, holding up in man coverage and making the kind of plays that can change how a defense is viewed from one week to the next. For a unit that has been searching for more cohesion, his performance offered a glimpse of what this group can look like when the communication is clean and the coverage is tight. [Read more 🡒]
Bills Secondary Rotation Suddenly Has A New Name To Watch
Geno Stones first regular-season game of the year came in a familiar place and against a familiar opponent, and it gave the Bills another look at a secondary piece who may not be done factoring into the rotation. Elevated from the practice squad because of C.J. Gardner-Johnsons suspension, Stone got on the field against the Ravens and made his presence felt in a game that mattered for Buffalos defensive depth.
Jim Leonhard has already made it clear that playing time in the back end is going to be earned, not handed out, and Stone sounded like a player intent on staying in the mix. Hell go back to the practice squad for now, but the Bills have reason to keep him on the radar after a debut that showed how quickly one callup can turn into a real competition for snaps. [Read more 🡒]