The Baltimore Ravens have officially named their starting quarterback for Thursday Night Football against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the decision will put an undrafted rookie into the franchise's record books.
Ravens coach Jesse Minter announced Tuesday that Joe Fagnano will make his first career NFL start against Jacksonville. The former UConn quarterback will become just the second undrafted rookie to start a game in Baltimore's 32-year history, joining Anthony Brown, who started the 2022 regular-season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The announcement comes after a difficult stretch for Baltimore's quarterback room, with Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley suffering injuries during
Sunday's 36-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Jackson suffered a right thumb injury on the Ravens' opening offensive possession and is headed to injured reserve after Minter confirmed that surgery would be necessary. Huntley suffered a toe injury in the second quarter, forcing Fagnano into his NFL debut.
Joe Fagnano gets first NFL start despite ankle injury
Fagnano's first professional appearance came under difficult circumstances against Buffalo. The rookie completed 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards with an interception and a lost fumble while Baltimore managed only 144 yards of total offense. Fagnano also suffered an ankle injury after taking a low hit from Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver. He was listed as limited during Monday's estimated walkthrough and practiced Tuesday wearing a substantial brace on his right ankle.
Despite those concerns, Minter confirmed that Fagnano will lead Baltimore's offense against Jacksonville.
The 26-year-old quarterback impressed during the preseason, leading the NFL with 509 passing yards across three games. He completed the exhibition schedule with three touchdown passes, one interception, and a 100.4 passer rating, earning a place on Baltimore's roster.
Thursday's matchup will present a much different challenge, with Fagnano trying to lead an offense that has averaged just 11 points over its last three games.
Fagnano has a chance to make UConn history
Fagnano will also have an opportunity to accomplish something that hasn't been done by a former Connecticut quarterback in 15 years. According to ESPN's Jamison Hensley, Fagnano is trying to become the first former UConn quarterback to win an NFL game as a starter since Dan Orlovsky did so with the Indianapolis Colts in 2011.
Orlovsky earned his first career victory as a starting quarterback when Indianapolis defeated the Tennessee Titans 27-13 on Dec. 18, 2011.
Baltimore has added quarterback depth ahead of Thursday's game, signing Kedon Slovis from the Green Bay Packers' practice squad to its 53-man roster Tuesday. The Ravens also signed Austin Reed to their practice squad Monday, giving offensive coordinator Declan Doyle additional options.
The Ravens enter Thursday's game at 4-4 after three consecutive losses and are looking to avoid falling below .500 for the first time this season. With Jackson sidelined and Huntley unavailable, Fagnano will help Baltimore regain its offensive identity and stay competitive in the AFC North race.
The Ravens and Jaguars will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET Thursday at M&T Bank Stadium, with the game streaming nationally on Prime Video.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens' name Joe Fagnano starting QB for Thursday night vs. Jaguars
