Ravens turn to undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano for Jaguars clash as Lamar Jackson heads to injured reserve

The Baltimore Ravens will start undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano at quarterback against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Thursday Night Football. Lamar Jackson has gone on injured reserve with a right thumb injury that may end his season. Head coach Jesse Minter confirmed the decision on Tuesday. Kick-off in the Week 9 opener at M&T Bank Stadium is 8.15pm ET on Thursday, 5 November, which is 9.15am on Friday, 6 November in Malaysia.

Jackson hurt on first snap in Buffalo

Jackson's latest setback came on Baltimore's first offensive play of the 36-10 defeat in Buffalo on Sunday. ESPN reported that his right thumb struck the hand of Bills defender Greg Rousseau as he threw. It was Jackson's first game back after missing three games with a high left ankle sprain. The Ravens say he will have surgery and has gone on injured reserve, so he will miss at least four games: Jacksonville and the Chargers at home, then trips to Carolina and Houston. Asked whether the injury could end Jackson's season, Minter said it potentially could, but that the team would see how it develops.

The injuries kept coming in Buffalo. Backup Tyler Huntley came in for Jackson and then hurt his toe, so Fagnano, the emergency quarterback, played the rest of the game. He completed 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards, with an interception and a lost fumble, while also nursing a right ankle problem after a low hit.

Who is Joe Fagnano?

Fagnano began his college career at Maine in 2019 and finished it at UConn. Yahoo Sports reported that he threw 28 touchdown passes and one interception there last season, completing 69 per cent of his passes. He went undrafted, then led the NFL in passing yards in pre-season with 509. Minter said Fagnano "legitimately played his way onto this roster."

On Thursday he will become only the second undrafted rookie to start at quarterback for Baltimore in the franchise's history. The Ravens have also added depth by signing Austin Reed to the practice squad on Monday and Kedon Slovis on Tuesday. With an inexperienced passer under centre, much of the load is expected to fall on running back Derrick Henry.

Ravens slump against the AFC South leaders

Baltimore are 4-4, have lost three games in a row and sit bottom of the AFC North. Pittsburgh (6-2), Cincinnati (5-2) and Cleveland (5-3) are all ahead of them. Their defence has given up 71 points in the last two games.

Jacksonville arrive in much better shape. Liam Coen's side are 5-2, three games clear at the top of the AFC South, and thrashed the Indianapolis Colts 42-7 in Week 8. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Bhayshul Tuten lead the offence, and Tuten rushed for more than 100 yards against the Colts.

Rest of Week 9 in Malaysia time

The weekend includes the NFL's second regular-season game in Madrid. The Atlanta Falcons host the Cincinnati Bengals at the Bernabeu on Sunday, 8 November. Kick-off is 9.30am ET, which is 10.30pm on Sunday in Malaysia. The Sunday early games start at 1pm ET, which is 2am Monday in Malaysia. Sunday Night Football, Tampa Bay at Chicago, is 9.20am on Monday in Malaysia. Monday Night Football, Buffalo at Minnesota, kicks off at 9.15am on Tuesday, 10 November in Malaysia. Pittsburgh and Tennessee have the week off.

All of this comes days before the NFL trade deadline, which ESPN lists as 4pm ET on Tuesday, 10 November, or 5am on Wednesday, 11 November in Malaysia.

Key takeaways

• Undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano will start for the Ravens against the Jaguars on Thursday night.
• Lamar Jackson is on injured reserve with a right thumb injury that Jesse Minter says could end his season.
• Baltimore are 4-4 and bottom of the AFC North. Jacksonville are 5-2 and lead the AFC South.
• Jaguars v Ravens kicks off at 9.15am Friday, Malaysia time. Bengals v Falcons in Madrid is 10.30pm Sunday.

FAQ

What time is Jaguars vs Ravens in Malaysia? The game kicks off at 8.15pm ET on Thursday, 5 November, which is 9.15am on Friday, 6 November, Malaysia time.

How long will Lamar Jackson be out? The Ravens have not given a timeline. Jackson is having surgery and is on injured reserve, so he will miss at least four games, and Minter said the injury could potentially end his season.

Who is starting at quarterback for the Ravens? Undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano, a former UConn quarterback, will make his first NFL start. Tyler Huntley is dealing with a toe injury.

Sources: ESPN, Yahoo Sports, CBS Sports, NFL.com, Baltimore Ravens