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Ravens starting undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano at QB for ‘Thursday Night Football’
The Ravens will start undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano at quarterback against the Jaguars on Thursday night, after injuries sidelined Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley. The decision puts an inexperienced player into a key role as Baltimore looks to steady a roller-coaster season against a 5-2 opponent.
Fagnano completed 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards and an interception while taking three sacks after entering Sunday’s loss to Buffalo; he also had an ankle brace at Tuesday’s practice. Baltimore signed Kedon Slovis from the Packers’ practice squad and added Austin Reed to its practice squad for depth. At UConn, Fagnano threw for 3,448 yards and 28 touchdowns as the full-time starter last season, and coach Jesse Minter praised his composure.
In short
- Joe Fagnano will make his first professional start for Baltimore.
- Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley are injured.
- Fagnano threw for 3,448 yards and 28 touchdowns at UConn.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Starting Fagnano gives Baltimore its available quarterback a chance to build on his college experience and show whether he can handle a larger role. With Jackson and Huntley sidelined, trusting the rookie may offer the team its best route to stability, while giving him valuable experience in a meaningful game.
The case against
Fagnano’s limited NFL experience, recent interception and sacks, and reported ankle brace make a high-pressure start a substantial risk. Against a 5-2 opponent, Baltimore could reasonably favour a more experienced available option or seek to limit the rookie’s exposure while its season is at stake.
Explained simply
The Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars are American football teams in the NFL. Each team’s quarterback leads the offence and throws most of its passes, so a change in that position can affect how the whole team plays.
Joe Fagnano joined Baltimore as an undrafted rookie, meaning no team selected him in the NFL draft. He played college football for UConn, where he was a starting quarterback, but has limited experience in the NFL.
The Ravens have relied on Lamar Jackson, with Tyler Huntley as his backup. Injuries to both have left Baltimore looking to less experienced players, while Jacksonville enters the game with a winning record.
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