Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will undergo surgery on his right thumb and be placed on injured reserve, head coach Jesse Minter confirmed after the team's 36-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. The injury occurred on Baltimore's first offensive play when Jackson's hand struck a defender's arm while throwing a pass to Zay Flowers.
Placement on injured reserve means Jackson will miss at least four games. The earliest he can return is Week 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 13. Jackson has already missed three games this season due to injury, bringing his total absence to at least seven games.
The Ravens' upcoming schedule includes games against the Jacksonville Jaguars (Thursday night), Los Angeles Chargers, Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, a bye week, and then the Buccaneers. With Jackson on the field in the first four games, Baltimore averaged 29.8 points per game and went 3-1. In the three games without him, they averaged 17.7 points and went 1-2, including Sunday's 10-point output.
Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley also left the game with a toe injury, leaving undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano to finish the game. Fagnano, from UConn, completed 10 of 12 passes for 91 yards with an interception. It is unclear who will start Thursday against the Jaguars.
A thumb injury on the throwing hand is particularly problematic for a quarterback's grip, and recovery from surgery may keep Jackson out until late December. At 4-4, the Ravens must stay competitive during his absence to keep playoff hopes alive.
