Lamar Jackson: Thumb injury ends Ravens season for now

Lamar Jackson lasted exactly one offensive snap before leaving the field with a right thumb injury. The Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter confirmed after the 36-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills that Jackson will undergo surgery and be placed on injured reserve. This injury caps a turbulent stretch for the quarterback, who had missed the previous three and a half games before returning to the lineup in Orchard Park, New York.

The damage occurred on the very first play from scrimmage for Baltimore. Jackson dropped back on a play action pass and was hit as he threw an incomplete ball. He immediately examined his hand before heading to the locker room. The medical staff initially listed him as questionable to return but ruled him out roughly 15 minutes later. Minter described the situation as a tough deal, noting that losing the starting quarterback on the first play is a severe blow.

The Ravens faced a second quarterback injury shortly after. Backup Tyler Huntley entered the game to replace Jackson but suffered a right toe injury late in the first quarter. Huntley was also ruled out, forcing undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano into his NFL regular-season debut. Fagnano made his first NFL snap by completing a 15-yard pass to fellow rookie Josh Cuevas. The team now faces a difficult turnaround with two of its three quarterbacks potentially sidelined.

Buffalo opened the game with a 10-play, 60-yard drive. Josh Allen capped the sequence with a fourth-and-goal quarterback sneak to give the Bills a 7-0 lead. The Ravens' defense provided some momentum shifts despite the offensive struggles. With Buffalo up 10-0, Broderick Washington Jr. intercepted a Josh Allen pass intended for Jackson Hawes. It was the first interception of Washington's career. Two plays later, Derrick Henry ran for a 2-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 10-7.

Baltimore had a chance to take the lead after a strong kickoff return by Rasheen Ali. However, Tyler Loop's 34-yard field goal attempt hit the left upright. The defense forced another turnover before halftime. Roquan Smith punched the ball free on a pass from Allen to DJ Moore, and T.J. Tampa recovered the fumble. The offense could not convert the possession, as a Fagnano pass to Zay Flowers was tipped and intercepted by Davidson Igbinosun. Buffalo turned that turnover into a field goal to lead 16-7 at the break.

The Bills extended their lead in the second half. Allen threw a 49-yard pass to Moore, followed by a 5-yard touchdown run from James Cook. That score made it 23-10. The Ravens added a short field goal to pull within six points, but Buffalo responded quickly. Allen connected with Moore for an 11-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter. The Bills scored again late in the game to secure the 36-10 victory. The loss drops Baltimore to a 4-4 record and leaves the team in last place in its division near the halfway point of the season.

Minter did not provide a timeline for Jackson's return, stating that the quarterback could be out for the remainder of the season. He also lacked an immediate update on Huntley's toe injury. The Ravens host the 5-2 Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night. This schedule forces a short week of preparation while the team manages its roster injuries. Fagnano may be in position to make the first NFL start of his career against Jacksonville.

Minter praised Fagnano for handling the pressure of his debut despite limited preparation. He said the rookie hung in there and did some good stuff. The coach emphasized the need for the team to stick together during this short week. The Ravens will try to put the best plan out there with their available personnel.