Joe Fagnano is officially the starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens in Week 9, and if you’re not sweating a little just thinking about that, you haven’t been watching the NFL. This isn’t just a tough break for Baltimore, it’s a full-blown crisis. After a brutal Week 8 that saw three different quarterbacks go down, Ravens head coach Jesse Minter confirmed on Tuesday to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley and other reporters that Fagnano will get the nod for Thursday Night Football against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Seriously, talk about an emergency.
Three QBs Down, One Rookie Stands
Remember Week 8? It was a disaster movie for the Ravens. Lamar Jackson got hurt on the very first play, then backup Tyler Huntley had to leave the game with his own injury. Then, because apparently the football gods have a wicked sense of humor, emergency third QB Joe Fagnano even got dinged up. Coming out of that game, there was real concern Baltimore would have to scramble to add a new arm just to have someone under center. Minter making the call on Fagnano means they’re rolling with what they’ve got, but the “question marks” for this QB room are everywhere. Jackson is headed to IR, and Huntley might just join him. Fagnano stepping up makes him only the second undrafted rookie QB in the Ravens’ 32-year history to start a game. How does this even happen?
A Rookie Debut Into The Fire
Fagnano, a 25-year-old undrafted rookie free agent, is getting thrown into the deep end without even a floatie. In his first NFL opportunity during that chaotic Week 8, he went 10 of 21 for just 91 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception. He added three yards on three rushing attempts, but also coughed up a fumble. Look, it was a rough NFL debut, but who can blame him? He was tossed into a live game with zero reps with the starting offense. Now he faces a tough Jaguars’ defense that just held the Indianapolis Colts to a measly seven points. It’s a short week, Thursday Night Football, and a whole lot on the line. At least the Ravens have Kedon Slovis and Austin Reed as depth options as they try to figure things out in the wake of Jackson and Huntley’s injuries.
This Week 9 game against the Jaguars is going to be a wild one. Fagnano has a chance to show everyone what he’s made of under some of the most challenging circumstances imaginable. We’ll be watching to see if this rookie can spark something for a team desperately needing a win.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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