Ravens to start Joe Fagnano vs. Jaguars, as Tyler Huntley may land on injured reserve

The Baltimore Ravens' quarterback situation was so dire at the start of the week that the club's best possible scenario for its home game against the 5-2 Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday evening involved undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano being able to start for Baltimore. 

On Tuesday afternoon, Ravens head coach Jesse Minter shared both positive and not-so-positive updates regarding his team's quarterback room. 

Joe Fagnano about to make Ravens history

As noted by Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, Fagnano will become the second undrafted rookie quarterback to start a game in Ravens history (going back to 1996) when he gets the nod for 4-4 Baltimore against Jacksonville. During the 2022 season, Anthony Brown became the first undrafted signal-caller to ever start a game for the Ravens in his rookie season. 

Fagnano began Baltimore's matchup at the Buffalo Bills this past Sunday as his club's third-choice option behind QB1 Lamar Jackson and primary backup Tyler Huntley. Jackson suffered an injury to the thumb on his throwing hand that left him needing surgery early into what became a 36-10 Baltimore loss, and Huntley was later ruled out with a toe injury.

Against Buffalo, Fagnano went 10-of-21 passing for 91 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. He needed treatment for his ankle throughout the second half of that game, and he was spotted wearing a brace on that ankle during Tuesday's practice. 

Meanwhile, Jackson may miss the remainder of the campaign. 

Ravens may need to trade for a quarterback if they want to save their season

As shared by Pro Football Talk's Charean Williams, Minter also said that Huntley "potentially" may land on injured reserve, which means he would miss at least Baltimore's next four games. Per ESPN, Kedon Slovis is set to serve as Baltimore's QB2 against Jacksonville. Slovis was most recently on the Green Bay Packers' practice squad, and the 25-year-old has thus far attempted just two regular-season passes as a pro.

Earlier in the week, stories linked the Ravens with Chicago Bears backup Tyson Bagent and Jacoby Brissett of the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals have since relegated Brissett to QB3 duties. 

As of Tuesday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook had Baltimore as a 10-point underdog against Jacksonville. One wonders how the Ravens will react if they are blown out by the Jaguars, as Baltimore could either trade for a temporary starting quarterback or sell some veteran players ahead of the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline.