Ravens face quarterback uncertainty before Jaguars

The Baltimore Ravens do not yet have a starting quarterback for their Thursday Night Football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Jesse Minter confirmed on Monday that the team is still evaluating its options after sustaining injuries to its three primary signal callers during the previous weekend’s loss.

The uncertainty stems from a cascade of injuries sustained in the 36-10 defeat by the Buffalo Bills. Two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley both left the game hurt. Rookie Joe Fagnano, who finished the contest, was seen icing his right ankle on the sideline. He admitted afterward that he was not fully healthy, and Minter described the situation as the team fighting through several issues simultaneously.

Minter stated that Fagnano, who participated in limited walk-through drills on Monday, is expected to have a chance to play. To add depth, the Ravens signed Austin Reed to the practice squad. Reed, who went undrafted in 2024, spent time with the Bears last season and played in all three preseason games this year. He completed six of 12 passes for 59 yards and a touchdown in those exhibitions. Currently, running back Justice Hill is the only other quarterback on the roster, serving as the emergency option if all else fails.

The timeline for Jackson’s return remains unclear. Minter said Jackson has not yet undergone surgery on his thumb and declined to specify the nature of the injury. The team expects to have a better understanding of Jackson’s status sometime this week. Huntley is unlikely to play this week, and the coaching staff is monitoring his long-term outlook.

The injury list also includes kicker Tyler Loop, who may be placed on injured reserve with a right groin injury. If activated to IR, Loop would sit out at least four games. He is 13-for-17 on field goals this season, including a missed 34-yard attempt against Buffalo. Jake Moody, a former third-round pick of the 49ers, is set to kick for the Ravens on Thursday. Moody was 19-for-23 on field goals across three teams last season.

Guard Vega Ioane provided positive news for the offensive line. The rookie indicated he is close to returning from a knee injury and expects to play against Jacksonville. Ioane has been a key contributor, allowing just four pressures in 117 pass blocks as a center earlier this season. He noted that the line feels the pressure of underperforming but believes the unit is capable of improvement.

The Ravens have 18 players on their injury report ahead of Thursday. New additions include nose tackle John Jenkins with a knee issue and right tackle Roger Rosengarten with an ankle injury. Both were limited participants in practice. Outside linebacker Trey Hendrickson, guard John Simpson, and linebacker Roquan Smith have new ailments to their existing lists and are also limited. Safety Jaylinn Hawkins did not practice due to a knee injury, while left tackle Ronnie Stanley remains limited for rest and minor issues.

Several other players are expected to return to full participation. Tight ends Mark Andrews and Matthew Hibner, cornerback Nate Wiggins, and running back Adam Randall all practiced fully. Defensive end Calais Campbell took a rest day. The Ravens will continue to assess the health of their roster in the coming days to finalize their starting lineup.