Lamar Jackson exits Ravens-Bills game on first play with right thumb injury, forcing rookie Joe Fagnano to start

Key points

• Lamar Jackson was ruled out after injuring his right thumb on the Ravens' first offensive snap against the Bills.
• The injury occurred when Jackson's throwing hand collided with Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau during a pass attempt to Zay Flowers.
• Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley took over but was ruled out after halftime with a toe injury.
• Undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano, who had never played in a regular-season game, entered the game as the third-string quarterback.
• Jackson had missed the previous three games due to a high-ankle sprain but was expected to return for Week 8.
• The Ravens' initial status for Jackson changed from questionable to done for the game within minutes, suggesting a possible dislocation or fracture.

Background

Lamar Jackson had been sidelined for three consecutive games due to a high-ankle sprain sustained in the October 4 victory over Tennessee. The Ravens held him out of Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals to protect his recovery, with backup Tyler Huntley starting in his place. Head coach Jesse Minter indicated the team wanted Jackson ready for both Week 8 and Week 9, given the upcoming schedule against Buffalo and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jackson had been highly productive in his four starts this season, completing 68 of 96 passes for 967 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception, while adding 144 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Ravens were 3-1 in his starts before Sunday, and the team was 4-3 overall with a 0-2 divisional record.

How outlets are covering it

OutKick and NFL.com both reported that Lamar Jackson suffered a right thumb injury on his first play of the game against the Buffalo Bills, leading to his immediate exit. OutKick noted that the quick change in status from questionable to done for the game suggested a dislocation or fracture, while NFL.com provided details on the collision with Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau. Both sources confirmed that backup Tyler Huntley took over but was later ruled out with a toe injury, leading to undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano entering the game. ESPN's source was inaccessible due to a 403 error, so no additional perspectives could be synthesized from that outlet. The consistent reporting across OutKick and NFL.com highlights the severity of the injury and the impact on the Ravens' quarterback depth.

Why it matters

Lamar Jackson's injury on his first play of the game underscores the ongoing challenges the Baltimore Ravens face with their quarterback depth and the critical nature of the upcoming schedule. The rapid escalation from Jackson's exit to Huntley's injury and the debut of Joe Fagnano highlights the team's vulnerability in the face of injuries. Jackson's productivity in his four starts this season, including 967 passing yards and six touchdowns, makes his absence a significant blow to the Ravens' offensive capabilities. The potential for a dislocation or fracture could mean a longer absence, further complicating the team's plans for the remainder of the season. This incident also raises questions about the team's ability to manage injuries and maintain consistency in a competitive division.

What to watch

The Baltimore Ravens will need to assess the severity of Lamar Jackson's right thumb injury, which could involve a dislocation or fracture, to determine his return timeline. The team will likely rely on Joe Fagnano for the remainder of the game and potentially for future games if Jackson's injury is severe. The Ravens will also need to monitor Tyler Huntley's toe injury to determine if he can return to action. The team's upcoming schedule against the Jacksonville Jaguars and other divisional opponents will be critical in assessing the impact of these injuries on their performance and standings.