Ravens Quarterback Crisis: Jackson Out on First Snap

Lamar Jackson was ruled out of the Baltimore Ravens' Week 8 game against the Buffalo Bills after being injured on his first offensive play of the season.

The two-time MVP quarterback attempted his first pass of the contest in the first quarter. His right hand collided with the arm of Buffalo linebacker Greg Rousseau. Jackson immediately inspected his hand and signaled to the sideline. He left the field with a towel wrapped around his hand. The team initially listed him as questionable before confirming he would not return before the end of the first quarter.

Jackson's absence ends a four-week recovery period following a high ankle sprain sustained during the Week 4 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. He had returned to practice as a full participant during the week leading up to the Bills game. The Ravens had lost to the Bengals in Week 7, which dropped the team to last place in the AFC North. Jackson had described the ankle injury as very painful to reporters earlier in the week.

The Ravens turned to backup quarterback Tyler Huntley for the second quarter. Huntley, who has a 1-2 record in starts this season, played 15 snaps. He was then removed from the game due to a toe injury. The team declared Huntley out after halftime. Joe Fagnano, an undrafted rookie and the team's designated emergency quarterback, entered the game. He completed his first NFL action while the Bills maintained their lead. Josh Allen, the Bills' MVP quarterback, scored a one-yard rushing touchdown on the opening drive of the game.

By league rules, Fagnano could only remain in the game as long as Huntley was injured. The Ravens' quarterback depth chart was reduced to its third option for the remainder of the contest. The matchup had drawn attention as a potential collision between two MVP-caliber players who have faced each other in high-stakes games in recent seasons. The Ravens now look to their remaining roster as they continue their season.