NFL
By: Courtney Byrd
Baltimore Ravens fans were ready to see Lamar Jackson back on the field Sunday. His return lasted just one play.
Jackson injured his right thumb on Baltimore’s opening snap against the Buffalo Bills and left the game. The Ravens later announced he will have surgery and go on injured reserve. Head Coach Jesse Minter said the injury could potentially end Jackson’s season. Buffalo went on to win, 36-10, handing Baltimore its third straight loss and dropping the team to 4-4.
It was a tough turn in a game that already asked a lot of the Ravens. Jackson missed the previous three games with an ankle injury, and his return was supposed to lift the offense. Instead, Baltimore had to adjust almost immediately and figure out how to stay competitive without its franchise quarterback.
Tyler Huntley stepped in, but he also left with a toe injury in the second quarter. That put undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano into his NFL debut with little preparation time. Fagnano completed 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards, threw an interception, and fumbled. The circumstances were difficult. Minter credited the rookie for hanging in and doing what he could in an unexpected situation.
With two quarterbacks injured, the game tilted further in Buffalo’s favor. The Bills took advantage and pulled away, while Baltimore had to manage an offense led by a rookie making his first NFL appearance. The final score was hard to see, but the Ravens faced a situation few teams could prepare for in the middle of a game.
Jackson’s injury is now the biggest concern. The Ravens will have to navigate at least four games without him on injured reserve, and the possibility that he could miss the rest of the season adds uncertainty to an already challenging stretch. The team will continue evaluating its options as more becomes known about his recovery.
Huntley’s status also matters. If he cannot play, Fagnano could be in line for a larger role. Baltimore may need to add another quarterback quickly. Reports have linked the Ravens to potential veteran options, including trade possibilities, but no move has been confirmed. The team has to weigh what is available against the urgency of the next few games.
The playoff picture has become more complicated with Baltimore at 4-4 and last in the AFC North. Still, the season is not over. The Ravens still have time to get healthy, stabilize the quarterback position, and make a run. The margin for error is smaller now, which makes the next stretch especially important.
And there is very little time to reset. Baltimore faces the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday, giving the team just a few days to prepare and settle its quarterback situation. The Ravens will need contributions across the roster, from their defense and running game to the players stepping into larger roles on offense.
This is a difficult moment for Baltimore, especially with Jackson’s future availability uncertain. But the Ravens still have a chance to respond. Now the focus is on getting the next quarterback ready, supporting Jackson through his recovery, and finding a way to compete on a short week.
