Ravens Face Major Quarterback Uncertainty Ahead of Thursday Game

Injuries Pile Up Under Center

The Baltimore Ravens are dealing with serious trouble at quarterback. Starter Lamar Jackson is heading to injured reserve with a right thumb injury that coach Jesse Minter said could potentially end his season. Backup Tyler Huntley is also ruled out with a toe injury. That leaves third string quarterback Joe Fagnano, who is fighting through an ankle injury of his own.

Minter stated after Monday's walkthrough practice that Fagnano has a chance to play on Thursday. Fagnano was listed as a limited participant. If he gets the start, he would be only the second undrafted rookie quarterback to start in the 32 year history of the franchise. Anthony Brown was the first, losing 27-16 to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022. Austin Reed, who joined the practice squad on Monday, is currently the only fully healthy quarterback on the roster. Reed is 26 and spent time at Baltimore's training camp this summer after playing under offensive coordinator Declan Doyle in Chicago last year.

Changes Coming at Kicker

The quarterback position is not the only spot seeing changes. Baltimore is also preparing to switch kickers after dropping three straight games to fall to 4-4. Tyler Loop has struggled with consistency, making just 2 of 6 field goals from inside 50 yards, including a missed 34 yard attempt in Sunday's 36-10 loss at Buffalo.

Loop sat out Monday's practice with a right groin issue that could put him on injured reserve. Minter confirmed that practice squad kicker Jake Moody is expected to handle kicking duties on Thursday. Moody was originally a third round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2023.

Ravens Search for Answers

Baltimore now sits in last place in the AFC North. Minter noted that losing a top player like Jackson means every phase of the team must step up, requiring strong defense and extra plays on special teams.

The team enters Thursday as 8.5 point underdogs against Jacksonville. That marks Baltimore's largest underdog line at home since December 2021, when they were 9 point underdogs against Green Bay.

What it means for the next game

Jacksonville Jaguars at Baltimore Ravens (NFL, Fri, 06 Nov): Baltimore Ravens win 21%, Jacksonville Jaguars win 79%; projected score Baltimore Ravens 17, Jacksonville Jaguars 26. Our safest pick: Ravens +17.