Ravens Name Hobbled Rookie Joe Fagnano Starter for Thursday Night Survival Test

The Baltimore Ravens are officially handing the keys to undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano for Thursday night’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Jesse Minter made the announcement, confirming that Baltimore’s quarterback depth chart has officially reached the point where they might need to ask if anyone in the stands brought their cleats.

Lamar Jackson is on injured reserve after thumb surgery, and backup Tyler Huntley is dealing with turf toe. That leaves Fagnano, who is currently nursing an ankle injury of his own, to lead a 4-4 team desperately trying to snap a three-game losing streak.

"Ravens HC Jesse Minter announced QB Joe Fagnano will start Thursday night vs the Jaguars."

Starting a rookie on a short week is already a massive ask. Starting a hobbled rookie who was the emergency quarterback just four days ago is the kind of script you write when you want to get fired from a sports movie.

Fagnano got thrown into the fire during Sunday’s 36-10 blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills. He finished 10-of-21 for 91 yards and an interception. For context, averaging 4.3 yards per attempt is the football equivalent of trying to empty a swimming pool with a slotted spoon.

The Jaguars, meanwhile, are coming off a 42-7 demolition of the Indianapolis Colts. Oddsmakers are going to have a field day setting the lines for a primetime game featuring a red-hot Jacksonville defense against a third-string quarterback who might not have two healthy legs to stand on.

If Fagnano takes a bad hit and cannot finish the game, Baltimore might literally have to put running back Derrick Henry under center to call plays. Thursday night is going to be a pure survival test for the Ravens, and their playoff hopes might depend on a rookie just trying to make it through four quarters in one piece.