Baltimore Ravens were forced to turn to third-string quarterback Joe Fagnano during their Week 8 game against the Buffalo Bills after starter Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley both suffered injuries.
Injury cascade
Jackson, returning from an ankle injury, hurt his thumb on the first offensive play when it struck Bills defensive end Gregory Rousseau. Huntley, who had started the previous three games in Jackson's absence, then injured his right toe when it was rolled up by Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver in the second quarter. Huntley was listed as questionable to return.
Fagnano's debut
The Ravens inserted Fagnano, a 25-year-old rookie undrafted free agent from the University of Connecticut. He completed 10 of 12 passes for 91 yards with one interception while playing approximately two and a half quarters.
Collegiate journey
Fagnano began his college career as a walk-on at Maine, an FCS program, in 2019. He earned a scholarship and made his first collegiate start a week after his debut, throwing five touchdown passes in an upset over FBS program Liberty. After a solid 2022 season, he transferred to UConn. A shoulder injury ended his first UConn season after two games, but he played most of 2024 and had a standout 2025 campaign with 28 passing touchdowns, one interception, and 3,448 passing yards.
Path to the NFL
The Ravens invited Fagnano to a rookie tryout where he beat out Diego Pavia for a spot on the summer roster. He posted a nearly 75% completion percentage with three touchdowns and one interception in the preseason. According to the CBS broadcast, running back Justice Hill would serve as the emergency quarterback if Fagnano were also injured.
