Joe Fagnano Gets Unexpected NFL Opportunity As Baltimore Ravens Lose Lamar Jackson

Joe Fagnano prepares for his first NFL start as the Baltimore Ravens deal with injuries© X/@RapSheet

Joe Fagnano went from being Baltimore's emergency quarterback to preparing for a prime-time assignment in the space of a few days. The undrafted rookie had barely featured in the Baltimore Ravens' plans this season, spending his time behind Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley. But Sunday's defeat to the Buffalo Bills changed everything. With both quarterbacks suffering injuries, head coach Jesse Minter had to look elsewhere. His choice gave the 25-year-old a chance that few could have predicted when he joined the team.

Baltimore Ravens hand rookie QB a major opportunity

Thursday's meeting with the Jacksonville Jaguars will be Fagnano's first professional start, and he will have little time to settle into the role. Jackson injured his right thumb on Baltimore's opening offensive possession against Buffalo, while Huntley later left with a toe injury. The sudden shortage forced the rookie into action against a Bills defense that made life difficult for Baltimore throughout the game.

Fagnano had entered Sunday's contest without taking any first-team practice reps during the week. His debut produced 91 passing yards, one interception and a lost fumble. He completed 10 of his 21 attempts, but Minter appeared more interested in how the rookie responded to the situation than the numbers on the scoreboard.

"He's cool, calm and collected; doesn't really get rattled, has a really good demeanor, played in a bunch of games in college. So, you certainly feel good about it," Minter said.

Fagnano was equally excited about the opportunity. "It's special," he told reporters. "It's really the only way I can think about it."

Joe Fagnano has more than his NFL debut to build on

Baltimore's decision did not come without some encouraging signs from the rookie's earlier performances. During the preseason, Fagnano threw for 509 yards across three games, the highest total among NFL quarterbacks. He recorded three touchdowns against one interception and finished with a 100.4 passer rating.

His college record at UConn had offered another glimpse of what he could bring. Fagnano finished last season with 3,448 passing yards and 28 touchdowns, leading independent schools in both categories.

There is another thing to manage before Thursday. The rookie picked up an ankle injury against Buffalo and attended Tuesday's practice wearing a brace on his right ankle. Baltimore has brought in Kedon Slovis from the Green Bay Packers' practice squad and added Austin Reed to its practice squad as further cover.

Away from the field, the Ravens gave fans a glimpse of Fagnano's preparation at home. A video shared by the franchise showed his wife helping him get ready for games.