The Baltimore Ravens will start undrafted rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano for Thursday Night Football against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team announced Monday. This decision comes amid injuries to starting quarterback Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley.
Jackson sustained a thumb injury on the first offensive play of Sunday's loss to the Buffalo Bills, and Huntley later left the game with an injury of his own. This situation thrust Fagnano, who was a rookie out of UConn, into the quarterback role. In relief, he completed 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards and threw an interception while being sacked three times.
Baltimore has taken steps to bolster its quarterback depth, signing Kedon Slovis off the Green Bay Packers' practice squad to the active roster and adding Austin Reed to the practice squad as a third signal-caller. Fagnano himself sustained an ankle injury during the game against Buffalo and was seen wearing a brace at Tuesday's practice, according to ESPN.
Despite the circumstances, Fagnano expressed excitement about his first professional start. "It’s special," Fagnano told reporters. "It’s really the only way I can think about it."
Ravens head coach Jesse Minter expressed confidence in Fagnano's ability to handle the pressure of facing a 5-2 Jacksonville team. "He’s cool, calm and collected; doesn’t really get rattled, has a really good demeanor, played in a bunch of games in college. So, you certainly feel good about it," Minter said. "I thought we operated really well when he was in there in the preseason, just from time on the play clock and penalties and substitutions. So, I am excited to see him go out there Thursday."
Fagnano was UConn’s full-time starter last season, passing for 3,448 yards and 28 touchdowns, leading all independent schools in both categories.