sportingnews
The Baltimore Ravens remain at .500 in the AFC, but the team's quarterback situation has become increasingly dire. Baltimore is the only AFC team to have started multiple quarterbacks this season, and injuries will force the Ravens to use a third different starter when they face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday Night Football. With Lamar Jackson expected to miss an extended period—possibly the rest of the season—following thumb surgery, and backup Tyler Huntley also sidelined by a toe injury, the Ravens' depth chart has been reshuffled.
Here is an updated look at the Ravens' quarterback depth chart for the primetime matchup:
1. Joe Fagnano
With Jackson and Huntley unavailable, undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano is in line to start against the Jaguars. However, Fagnano is not fully healthy himself. Ravens coach Jesse Minter told reporters that Fagnano is "fighting through a couple of things," including an ankle injury, though he appears on track to start. Fagnano signed with Baltimore after going undrafted out of UConn in the spring and earned a roster spot with an impressive summer. The 25-year-old from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, has a remarkable story: he was a walk-on at FCS Maine before transferring to UConn, where he threw 28 touchdown passes and just one interception in his sixth and final collegiate season.
2. Kedon Slovis
The Ravens' backup quarterback could be Kedon Slovis, who was signed off the Green Bay Packers' practice squad on Tuesday. Because he was signed off a practice squad, Slovis automatically joined Baltimore's 53-man roster. An undrafted quarterback who played college football at USC, Pittsburgh, and BYU, Slovis has spent time with the Arizona Cardinals and attempted two passes last season, but all of his other NFL action has come in the preseason. He has also spent time with the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans, making him well-traveled despite limited regular-season experience.
3. Austin Reed
The Ravens signed Austin Reed to their practice squad on Monday, adding another option behind Fagnano. Also undrafted out of Western Kentucky in 2024, Reed has never thrown an NFL pass and spent this past spring playing for the UFL's Dallas Renegades. Reed has some familiarity with Baltimore, having spent part of August with the team during training camp before being waived ahead of final roster cuts. With Slovis on the 53-man roster, Reed would need to be promoted from the practice squad to serve as Fagnano's direct backup on Thursday night.
Key Analysis
The Ravens' quarterback depth is being tested like never before. The loss of Jackson, a former MVP, for a significant stretch could derail a season that began with Super Bowl aspirations. The team now turns to a rookie who was undrafted and is less than 100 percent healthy, backed by a quarterback who was just signed off another team's practice squad and another who has never taken an NFL snap. In a crowded AFC North, the Ravens' ability to stay afloat will depend heavily on how quickly these unfamiliar faces can adapt to the spotlight.
Originally reported by sportingnews.