The Baltimore Ravenshave already dealt with an unprecedented string of quarterback injuries, and the sight of rookie Joe Fagnano's heavily wrapped right ankle before Thursday night's matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars had NFL observers wondering just how healthy the team's newest starter really is.
Fagnano, who is making his first career NFL start, drew attention on social media after the Ravens shared pregame footage of the undrafted rookie preparing for Thursday Night Football. The enormous support around his right ankle led to comparisons ranging from a moon boot to winter footwear.
Devin Jackson was among those reacting to the unusual appearance of Fagnano's ankle.
"Ravens got Joe Fagnano wearing an Ugg boot on his right foot, it's so
#over," Jackson wrote on X while sharing the team's pregame post.
The reaction captured the concern surrounding Baltimore's quarterback situation, with Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley both placed on injured reserve Thursday and Fagnano attempting to play through an ankle injury of his own.
Joe Fagnano's ankle wrap draws attention before NFL debut as starter
Fagnano injured his right ankle during Sunday's 36-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills after taking a low hit from defensive tackle Ed Oliver. The rookie was noticeably hobbled after the play but remained in the game, finishing with 10 completions on 21 attempts for 91 yards and an interception.
His availability for Thursday initially appeared uncertain because of the short turnaround between games.
The former UConn quarterback was listed as a limited participant on Monday's estimated injury report before returning to full participation Tuesday. He also participated fully Wednesday and was removed from the team's final injury report, clearing the way for his first career start. Despite that progress, Fagnano continued wearing substantial support around his right ankle during preparations for Jacksonville.
The appearance sparked concern among fans who had already watched Baltimore lose two quarterbacks in the same game against Buffalo.
The wrapping doesn't necessarily indicate that Fagnano suffered a setback, but it highlights the difficult circumstances surrounding his first NFL start.
Ravens face Jaguars with quarterback depth severely depleted
Baltimore officially placed Jackson and Huntley on injured reserve Thursday, ruling both quarterbacks out for at least four games. Jackson suffered a right thumb injury requiring surgery, while Huntley sustained a toe injury that could keep him sidelined for an extended period. The Ravens responded by signing Kedon Slovis from Green Bay's practice squad and promoting Austin Reed to the active roster. Baltimore also has been working to finalize a trade for veteran Jacoby Brissett from the Arizona Cardinals. For now, Fagnano is the quarterback tasked with leading a Ravens offense that has struggled during a three-game losing streak. The rookie faces a difficult assignment against a Jacksonville defense that entered Week 9 ranked second in the NFL in points allowed per game. Baltimore will need to establish its running game with Derrick Henry, protect Fagnano and avoid putting its inexperienced quarterback in obvious passing situations.
The Ravens enter Thursday's matchup at 4-4, needing a victory to get back above .500 and maintain their position in the AFC playoff race.
Fagnano has already overcome considerable odds to reach this point, going from an undrafted free agent to Baltimore's starting quarterback. His heavily wrapped ankle has added another unusual chapter to that journey, but the biggest question is whether he can perform effectively against Jacksonville while playing through the injury.
Ravens QB Joe Fagnano has his injured right ankle heavily protected tonight against the Jaguars pic.twitter.com/WIbhh7JkPx
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) November 6, 2026
Told you Joe Fagnano is wearing a MoonBoot pic.twitter.com/iecBbX2Msf
— Brian Wacker (@brianwacker1) November 6, 2026
.@joefagnano 💪
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 6, 2026
Tune in on prime! pic.twitter.com/8mcQGnIrQq
.@joefagnano 💪 pic.twitter.com/zFBE4ci5Dw
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 6, 2026
Ravens got Joe Fagnano wearing an Ugg boot on his right foot, it's so #over https://t.co/uG0A6hKnEH
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) November 6, 2026
Dude’s wearing a moon boot. https://t.co/D2dT4buPTz
— Neal Coolong (@NealCoolong) November 6, 2026
Guys playing in a snowboard boot https://t.co/JgL2B7l7HL
— Tone Digs (@ToneDigz) November 6, 2026
UConn TOUGH! Here we go JOE! https://t.co/Y0BbSHSry9
— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) November 6, 2026
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: NFL world reacts to Ravens QB Joe Fagnano's 'moon boot' vs. Jaguars
