Rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano is about to have his big moment. On Thursday night, he will transition from running plays at home with his wife to making his first NFL start against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
First-year Baltimore Ravens coach Jessie Minter announced that Fagnano, who has been the team’s No. 3 quarterback for most of the season, will take the field. Tyler Huntley’s status as backup remains uncertain after an injury in the Ravens’ recent game against the Buffalo Bills.
Fagnano’s upcoming start in Week 9 represents a significant milestone. He will become only the second undrafted rookie to start a regular-season game for the Ravens. “It’s special,” Fagnano said. “It’s really the only way I can think about it.”
The situation changed when Lamar Jackson, after missing three games due to a high ankle sprain, left the latest game with a thumb injury. In his absence, Fagnano has moved up the team’s depth chart. He earned his roster spot after impressively performing during the preseason, throwing for 91 yards in his debut.
Despite dealing with his own injuries, Fagnano practiced with a brace on his right ankle. “Every game you get bumps and bruises,” he noted. “It’s just football, a physical game we play. It feels good, though.”
Coach Minter praised Fagnano’s demeanor, saying, “He’s cool, calm, and collected. He doesn’t really get rattled.”
Baltimore, having lost three consecutive games, is aiming for a turnaround. They made recent roster additions by signing quarterbacks Austin Reed and Kedon Slovis.
Joe Fagnano’s prime-time start is a rare event, a feat achieved previously by only one other undrafted quarterback, Cooper Rush.
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