Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after sustaining a thumb injury on his throwing hand during Sunday’s 36-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, who had just returned after missing three games with a high ankle sprain, lasted only a single snap before leaving the field.
Jackson Placed on Injured Reserve
Jackson has been placed on injured reserve and is ruled out for at least four games. Head coach Jesse Minter acknowledged that the injury could potentially end the quarterback’s season, though it remains unconfirmed whether his thumb was broken or dislocated. Because Jackson did not agree to a contract extension during the offseason, the injury has raised questions about whether he could be traded in 2027, which would end a nine-year tenure with Baltimore.
The defeat dropped the Ravens to a 4-4 record, putting their postseason ambitions in jeopardy after starting the year as second favorites to win the Super Bowl. Minter emphasized that the franchise must maintain unity despite the setback.
“We’ll do everything in our power to keep rolling, to keep this thing going, to get it back on the right side with whatever that looks like and whoever that’s playing,” Minter said. He stressed the importance of relying on roster depth moving forward.
“It’s definitely my job to make sure that we stay together, that we don’t point fingers, that we have each other’s back, that we believe in the next man up mentality. It’s what we’ve talked about a lot. And sometimes that happens and sometimes it doesn’t. So we got to really, really just pour into the belief and believe in the guys that we have and move forward.”
Mounting Issues at Quarterback
Baltimore is also dealing with health concerns regarding its backup quarterbacks. Primary reserve Tyler Huntley exited the game in the second quarter due to a toe injury and did not return. Third-choice quarterback Joe Fagnano stepped in, completing 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards and an interception while taking a heavy hit from Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver. Minter expects Fagnano to take the field Thursday against the Jacksonville Jaguars if Huntley remains unavailable.
The Ravens have struggled significantly in Jackson’s absence over recent years, compiling a 7-14 record without him as the starter since 2019. This season, the offense has managed just six touchdowns across 18 quarters played without the star signal-caller.
Right tackle Roger Rosengarten acknowledged the test currently facing the team. “When your back’s against the wall and stuff starts hitting the fan, you really find out what this team is made of and certain players are made of,” Rosengarten said.
