Ravens rookie Joe Fagnano starts in relief of injured Lamar Jackson

Joe Fagnano took the field for the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills after two prior quarterbacks were lost to injury in a single contest. The rookie undrafted free agent from UConn made his NFL debut in relief of Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley, both of whom suffered injuries during the first half.

Jackson, returning from an ankle injury, hit his thumb on Bills linebacker Gregory Rousseau on Baltimore's first offensive play. He immediately left the field and went to the locker room. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, who had started the previous three games while Jackson was sidelined, was next to go. Bills linebacker Ed Oliver rolled up Huntley's right foot during a tackle, causing a turf toe injury. Huntley is currently listed as questionable to return.

With both top options out, Fagnano finished the first half with 50 passing yards on five completions in eight attempts. He threw one interception. The Ravens were attempting to halt a two-game losing streak with the change.

Fagnano is a 25-year-old rookie who began his college career as a walk-on at the University of Maine in 2019. He earned a scholarship and a backup role quickly after the starter was injured. In his first collegiate start, he threw five touchdown passes in an upset victory over FBS program Liberty. He transferred to UConn after a solid 2022 season at Maine. At UConn, he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in 2023 but returned to play most of 2024. His 2025 season included 3,448 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and one interception, which drew attention from NFL scouts.

The Ravens invited Fagnano to a rookie tryout, where he outperformed Diego Pavia to secure a summer spot with the team. He posted a nearly 75% completion percentage, three touchdowns, and one interception during the preseason.

If Fagnano were to be injured as well, running back Justice Hill would serve as the emergency quarterback, according to the CBS broadcast.