Ravens lose Lamar Jackson to thumb injury, face fourth-string quarterback

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson played exactly one snap before leaving Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills with a thumb injury. Coach Jesse Minter announced that Jackson requires surgery and will be placed on injured reserve, a move that could end his season. The loss was 36-10, a result that overshadowed the team's recent efforts to prepare for Jackson's return from a high ankle sprain.

The injury occurred on the opening play of the game. Right tackle Roger Rosengarten was pushed backward by Buffalo outside linebacker Greg Rousseau, allowing the defender to strike Jackson's hand during his throw. Jackson immediately exited the field, holding up his damaged thumb for the crowd to see. He had spent the week addressing team leadership issues, but his physical return lasted only a moment.

With Jackson out, the Ravens turned to Tyler Huntley. Huntley suffered a turf toe injury during the game and was replaced by Joe Fagnano, an undrafted rookie and the team's emergency third-string quarterback. Fagnano completed 10 of 21 passes but was sacked on his third play. He later showed signs of an ankle injury and was seen icing it on the sideline. Running back Justice Hill, listed as the fourth quarterback, is now the next option in the depth chart.

The offense struggled to function without its primary leaders. Tight end Mark Andrews noted that Jackson fought hard to return, while Zay Flowers admitted his frustration at watching his close friend leave the game. Flowers also highlighted the difficulty of playing without two quarterbacks, noting that the team was forced to rely on a rookie for the majority of the contest. The defense kept the game competitive until the midway point of the third quarter, but the offense failed to sustain drives.

General Manager Eric DeCosta recently acquired center Cam Jurgens to replace Tyler Linderbaum. Jurgens only handled one snap for Jackson before the injury. The team must now navigate a roster that has lost two starting-caliber quarterbacks. Huntley is expected to miss time with his foot injury, further complicating the offensive outlook.

The Ravens have four days to prepare before hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night. Playoff odds have dropped to 25 percent following the loss. Derrick Henry said the team will focus on winning with the players available, emphasizing that nine games remain on the schedule.

In the locker room, players displayed a mix of grim determination and frustration. Team leaders encouraged the squad to move on from the injury. Fagnano finished the game but admitted he was not fully healthy, while Hill expressed readiness to step in if necessary.