The Baltimore Ravens are facing a significant challenge after backup quarterback Tyler Huntley reportedly sustained a season-ending turf toe injury during the team’s recent game against the Buffalo Bills. According to ESPN, Huntley will not return this season, prompting Ravens coach Jesse Minter to announce that rookie Joe Fagnano will start as quarterback in their upcoming game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night.
Earlier this week, starting quarterback Lamar Jackson was placed on injured reserve due to a thumb injury that requires surgery. Jackson sustained the injury on the first offensive play of the game against the Bills. His situation left the team without its top two quarterbacks.
Huntley, who stepped in for Jackson, attempted only four passes before suffering his toe injury before halftime and did not return. Previously, he had made three starts in 2026 while Jackson was sidelined with an ankle injury. The Bills game marked Jackson’s first start since he was injured on October 4 against the Tennessee Titans.
Fagnano, an undrafted rookie from the University of Connecticut, made his NFL regular-season debut after taking over for Huntley. He completed 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards and threw one interception during the game. Additionally, Fagnano practiced on Tuesday wearing a brace on his right ankle, which he injured during the match against the Bills.
To bolster their quarterback options, the Ravens have signed former practice squad player Austin Reed and added Kedon Slovis to their roster, further addressing the absence of both Jackson and Huntley.
Huntley, who has been with the Ravens for six years, has served as Jackson’s primary backup for most of that time, aside from a stint with the Miami Dolphins in 2024. He has played in 30 games and made 14 starts, including a Pro Bowl appearance in 2022 after starting in six games that season.
After three consecutive losses, the Ravens now sit at 4-4, with their chances of competing for the AFC North title jeopardized by the absence of their top quarterbacks. Following their matchup with the Jaguars, Baltimore will host the Los Angeles Chargers for Monday Night Football.
