The Baltimore Ravens face a quarterback crisis ahead of their Thursday night Week 9 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. With starter Lamar Jackson headed to injured reserve due to a thumb injury and backup Tyler Huntley sidelined with a toe injury, the team's options are limited to undrafted rookies.
On Tuesday, the Ravens signed Kedon Slovis off the Green Bay Packers' practice squad. Slovis, who has never started an NFL game and has only two career pass attempts (both in mop-up duty for the Arizona Cardinals last season), could be forced to start with just two practices under his belt. The move reflects the team's desperation; Slovis is familiar with Ravens quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfork from their time together in Arizona.
Undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano, who played most of Sunday's 36-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills (10-of-21 for 91 yards with an interception), is dealing with an ankle injury. Coach Jesse Minter said Fagnano is "fighting through a couple things" but expects him to have a chance to play Thursday. If Fagnano starts, offensive coordinator Declan Doyle will tailor the game plan to the rookie.
If Fagnano cannot play, the Ravens would turn to either Slovis or Austin Reed. Reed was signed to the practice squad on Monday after spending part of training camp and the preseason with Baltimore. He appeared in all three preseason games, completing 6 of 12 passes for 59 yards with one touchdown and one interception, plus a rushing touchdown. Reed has never thrown a regular-season pass.
The team also worked out 2024 UFL MVP Adrian Martinez but has not signed him. With three undrafted quarterbacks who have combined for three career NFL games, the Ravens could carry three active quarterbacks as insurance. A potential trade for Chicago Bears backup Tyson Bagent was unlikely given the Bears' Monday night game.
