Ravens face quarterback crisis as Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley go down
Undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano stepped in as the emergency quarterback during Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills after injuries sidelined both starters.
The Baltimore Ravens confronted a sudden crisis at the quarterback position during Sunday's matchup against the Buffalo Bills after losing both of their top signal-callers to injuries. Superstar Lamar Jackson exited the game in the first quarter due to an injury, just after returning from a three-game absence caused by a previous ankle issue. Shortly after Jackson's departure, backup Tyler Huntley also left the contest with a foot injury, forcing the team to turn to undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano.
Fagnano, an undrafted free agent out of UConn who also played at Maine, made his unexpected NFL debut at Highmark Stadium with 9:39 remaining in the second quarter. The unexpected turn of events thrust the 25-year-old rookie into high-stakes action against Buffalo, creating a unique storyline for a player whose collegiate journey included stints at multiple universities and an MVP performance in the 2024 Fenway Bowl.
Adding an intriguing personal dynamic to the game, Fagnano's wife, Lydia, and her family are longtime fans of the Buffalo Bills. Fagnano and his wife are high school sweethearts who married in July 2025. Despite previously being a member of the Bills Mafia and attending games in Buffalo decked out in team gear, Lydia quickly shifted her support to the Ravens after her husband joined the franchise, posting photos in Baltimore gear ahead of kickoff.
The immediate injuries to Jackson and Huntley leave Baltimore facing potential depth concerns moving forward if the starters are forced to miss extended time. Jackson's latest setback frustrates a Ravens squad trying to regain offensive momentum, while Huntley's inability to finish the game left the team with severely limited options under center.
As the organization evaluates the severity of the injuries, analysts have begun discussing potential veteran options that could provide stability if Baltimore decides to look outside the organization. Among the names circulating as possible short-term solutions or depth additions are established signal-callers such as Russell Wilson, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Andy Dalton, alongside other potential candidates across the league.
Bringing in an experienced quarterback could offer a structured passing game and stability while Jackson works toward a recovery. Options like Garoppolo or Wilson bring extensive regular-season and postseason experience, though any potential move would require careful evaluation of player availability, contracts, and how well a veteran could adapt to Baltimore's offensive scheme.