Ravens rookie Joe Fagnano to start against Jaguars
Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley are expected to miss Thursday's game due to thumb and toe injuries, forcing the 25-year-old to take the reins.
By Matthew Qureshi ·
Joe Fagnano completed 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards and an interception last week.
The Ravens will start the 25-year-old rookie at quarterback when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night. Head coach Jesse Minter confirmed the decision on Monday. Minter said the team is excited to play in front of fans against a strong opponent.
The move is necessary because the starting lineup has been depleted by injuries. Lamar Jackson suffered a right thumb injury that required surgery. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley is dealing with a turf toe injury. Minter indicated that both Jackson and Huntley are likely to be placed on injured reserve before the game. Kicker Tyler Loop is also expected to join the injured reserve list.
Fagnano stepped in as an emergency backup during the Week 8 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Jackson injured his thumb on the first offensive snap after colliding with Buffalo pass rusher Greg Rousseau. Huntley entered the game but could not stay on the field due to his foot injury. Fagnano had been the third quarterback on the roster before the season began.
The undrafted rookie out of UConn earned his spot on the 53-man roster during the summer. He beat out fellow undrafted player Diego Pavia for a roster spot. Minter noted that Fagnano took advantage of opportunities when he received more repetitions late in training camp and during the preseason. In preseason action, Fagnano completed 56 of 75 passes for 509 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
Fagnano may not be fully healthy for the upcoming start. He appeared to injure his ankle during the loss to Buffalo but remained in the game. At practice on Tuesday, he wore a large brace on his right ankle. Fagnano described his ankle as good, calling the injury a normal part of a physical game.
The Ravens have not confirmed how long Fagnano will be the starter. Minter suggested this could be the first of many starts if the other quarterbacks remain sidelined. The team will prepare for the Week 9 matchup with Fagnano as the primary signal-caller.
