The Baltimore Ravens will start undrafted rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano on Thursday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars, as confirmed by first-year coach Jessie Minter. Fagnano, who has spent most of the season as the team's No. 3 quarterback, steps into the starting role after Lamar Jackson was placed on injured reserve.
Jackson's return from a three-game absence due to an ankle sprain was cut short when he sustained a thumb injury early in the Ravens' Week 8 loss to the Buffalo Bills. It remains unclear if Tyler Huntley will be available as Fagnano's backup, as he also sustained an injury in that game.
Fagnano will become the second undrafted rookie to start a regular-season game for the Ravens. He acknowledged the significance of the opportunity, stating, "It's special. It's really the only way I can think about it." Fagnano earned a roster spot after a strong preseason performance, throwing for 91 yards in his NFL debut. He has also been managing an ankle injury, practicing with a brace, but expressed confidence in his condition, saying, "It feels good, though."
Minter described Fagnano as "cool, calm and collected" and noted that he "doesn't really get rattled."
Baltimore has lost three consecutive games and is currently last in the AFC North. The team has also recently added quarterbacks Austin Reed and Kedon Slovis to the roster due to injuries at the position.
Only one other undrafted quarterback, Cooper Rush, has made his first regular-season start in a prime-time game before Fagnano takes the field on Thursday.