Baltimore Ravens rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano has spent much of his first NFL season preparing for an opportunity that finally arrived under unexpected circumstances Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.
As it turns out, some of that preparation has included help from his wife.
The Ravens shared a lighthearted video Tuesday highlighting how Fagnano's wife has been helping him prepare behind the scenes throughout the season. The team accompanied the post with a laughing emoji, offering fans an entertaining look at the support system surrounding Baltimore's newest starting quarterback.
The moment comes at an important point in Fagnano's young career, with Ravens coach Jesse Minter confirming Tuesday that the undrafted rookie will make his first NFL
start Thursday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Joe Fagnano's preparation takes center stage
Fagnano entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from UConn, joining a Baltimore quarterback room led by two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and veteran backup Tyler Huntley.
Despite facing long odds to make the roster, Fagnano impressed during training camp and the preseason. He led NFL quarterbacks with 509 passing yards in three exhibition games, throwing three touchdowns and one interception.
Those performances helped him earn a place on Baltimore's initial 53-man roster, an accomplishment that provided one of the more memorable moments of the team's preseason. Fagnano spent the early portion of the regular season preparing behind Jackson and Huntley, with limited opportunities to work with the starting offense.
That changed Sunday when Jackson injured his right thumb on Baltimore's opening offensive possession against Buffalo. Huntley subsequently suffered a turf toe injury, forcing Fagnano into his first regular-season appearance.
The rookie completed 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards with an interception and a lost fumble during the Ravens' 36-10 loss.
Ravens rookie preparing for biggest opportunity yet
Fagnano now faces the challenge of preparing for his first NFL start with only a few days between games.
Jackson is headed to injured reserve and will require surgery, while Huntley remains sidelined and could also become an injured reserve candidate. Baltimore has added Kedon Slovis and Austin Reed for quarterback depth, but Minter has entrusted Fagnano with Thursday's starting assignment.
The rookie is also managing an ankle injury he suffered against Buffalo, which requires him to practice Tuesday with a substantial brace on his right ankle. Despite the circumstances, the Ravens have expressed confidence in Fagnano's preparation and ability to handle an unexpected opportunity.
His wife's behind-the-scenes involvement offers another glimpse into the work that got him here. For Fagnano, Thursday's game represents the culmination of months spent preparing for an opportunity that wasn't guaranteed when he entered the league.
The Ravens will need their rookie quarterback to deliver against Jacksonville, but the latest video shows he hasn't been preparing for the moment alone.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens QB Joe Fagnano gets unexpected help from wife before first start
