Ravens turn to undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano after Lamar Jackson goes on IR, coach Jessie Minter says

It’s time for rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano to take center stage. On Thursday night, the undrafted UConn product will go from simulating games in his living room with his wife to his first NFL start against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

First-year Baltimore Ravens coach Jessie Minter confirmed that Fagnano, who spent most of the season as the team’s No. 3 quarterback, will start Thursday night. It’s unclear if Tyler Huntley will serve as his backup after the veteran quarterback was injured in the Ravens’ Week 8 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

With his departure in Week 9, Fagnano will become only the second undrafted rookie to start a regular season game for the Ravens. “It’s special,” Fagnano said. “That’s really the only way I can think of it.”

Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens signals against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York on November 1, 2026. (Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

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Fagnano rises to the top of Baltimore’s depth chart after Lamar Jackson’s return from a three-game absence was cut short by a thumb injury early in Sunday’s 36-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Jackson missed those games because of a significant left ankle sprain.

Joe Fagnano (12) of the Baltimore Ravens returns to pass during a preseason game against the Washington Commanders at M&T Bank Stadium on August 28, 2026, in Baltimore, Maryland. (G Fiume/Getty Images)

Fagnano also faced injury issues after replacing the injured Jackson and Huntley. He practiced Tuesday with a splint on his right ankle. “Every game you had bumps and bruises,” Fagnano said. “It’s just football, a physical game we play. But it feels good.”

Fagnano earned one of the spots on the Ravens’ roster after putting together what was widely considered a strong preseason. The 25-year-old threw for 91 yards in his NFL debut.

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“He’s cool, calm and collected,” Minter said of Fagnano. “He’s not really shaken.”

Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens reacts on the sidelines against the Buffalo Bills during an NFL game at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York on November 1, 2026. (Getty Images)

Baltimore has lost three straight games and enters Week 9 in the cellar of the AFC North.

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The Ravens recently added quarterbacks Austin Reed and Kedon Slovis to the roster as injuries depleted the position.

A detailed view of a wristband bearing the number 8 worn by Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter of the game between the Ravens and the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on November 1, 2026, in Orchard Park, NY (Getty Images)

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Only one undrafted quarterback, Cooper Rush, made his first regular season start in a prime-time game. That number will increase to two on Thursday when Fagnano takes the first snap for the Ravens.