Lamar Jackson goes on injured reserve after thumb injury ends game

Lamar Jackson will undergo surgery on his right thumb and be placed on injured reserve after sustaining the injury on the first offensive snap of the Ravens' game against the Buffalo Bills.

Head coach Jesse Minter confirmed the plan following the team's 36-10 loss at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Jackson had returned to the lineup after missing the previous three and a half games, but his availability lasted only one play.

The injury occurred during a play-action pass attempt as Baltimore trailed 7-0. Jackson was hit while dropping back to throw an incomplete pass. He immediately inspected his hand before exiting the field for the locker room. The team initially listed him as questionable but ruled him out roughly 15 minutes later.

Minter stated that the injury would require a surgical procedure and indicated Jackson could be out for the remainder of the season. "Potentially, but we'll see where it's at," the coach said when asked about the timeline.

The loss of Jackson forced backup quarterback Tyler Huntley to enter the game. Huntley suffered a right toe injury late in the first quarter and was also ruled out. This move sent undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano into his NFL regular-season debut.

Fagnano completed a 15-yard pass to fellow rookie Josh Cuevas on his first snap. The Ravens' defense generated two turnovers, including a career first interception by Broderick Washington Jr. and a fumble recovery by T.J. Tampa. However, offensive struggles limited the damage, as a missed field goal and another interception prevented Baltimore from closing the gap.

The Bills extended their lead in the second half, with Josh Allen throwing two touchdown passes to DJ Moore and James Cook scoring on a 5-yard run. The defeat drops Baltimore to a 4-4 record and marks its third consecutive loss. The Ravens currently sit in last place in their division.

Baltimore will host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night. With Jackson on injured reserve and Huntley's status uncertain, Fagnano is positioned to make the first start of his career. Minter praised Fagnano for handling limited preparation and emphasized the need for the team to stick together during the short week.