Baltimore’s quarterback situation hit rock bottom on Sunday, going from disappointing to straight-up destitute in a heartbeat. Lamar Jackson, back from an ankle injury that kept him out three games, went down with a thumb injury on the first offensive play that could require season-ending surgery. Then, backup Tyler Huntley left shortly thereafter with a toe injury. Suddenly, it was all on undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano, who looked exactly like an undrafted rookie, going 10-for-21 for 91 yards and an interception as the Ravens lost quietly, 36-10, to the Bills. What looked like a chance to turn their 4-4 season around just became the game that could effectively end it all.
The QB Well Is Dry, And Fast
The injuries keep piling up and it’s a disaster. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday that Huntley is out for extended time with turf toe, an injury that can sideline players for weeks. That leaves Baltimore with just one available quarterback on their active roster: Fagnano, who was visibly in discomfort late in the Bills game after taking some serious hits. There isn’t another quarterback on the active roster or practice squad, with Skylar Thompson already on IR. This team is 4-4, has lost three straight, and has zero time to wallow with the Jaguars coming up on Thursday night. They are in a full-blown crisis at the most important position in football.
Why a Trade Is the Only Move Now
No matter what, Baltimore has to get a quarterback. They owe it to everyone. This team isn’t dead in the water at 4-4; they’re still fighting with stars like Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers on offense and a ton of talent on defense. If there’s even a glimmer of hope Jackson could return sooner than expected, these players deserve a shot to keep their season alive. They owe it to first-year Head Coach Jesse Minter and Offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle, who has been excellent this year. Forcing Minter to trot out an undrafted rookie free agent for multiple games? You just can’t do that. Since 2000, only one team with a rookie head coach started an undrafted rookie QB in multiple games: last year’s Jets with Brady Cook. Nobody wants to be the Jets, seriously.
They owe it to Fagnano, too. He’s a great story, a walk-on at FCS Maine who finished with a superb seventh-year senior season at UConn, earning his roster spot through rookie tryouts and the preseason. But sticking him out there as the only guy for weeks, given the stakes, is just too much to ask.
The Ravens have got the Jaguars on Thursday night. This isn’t just about finding a warm body; it’s about giving this team, its coaches, and even Fagnano himself a fighting chance. Baltimore needs to make a move, and they need to make it yesterday.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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