The Baltimore Ravens faced an unprecedented quarterback crisis during their Week 8 contest against the Buffalo Bills, forcing the team to turn to an undrafted rookie in an emergency situation.
Lamar Jackson, returning from an ankle injury for his first game back, suffered a thumb injury on the Ravens’ opening offensive play and had to leave the game. Backup Tyler Huntley, who had started the previous three games while Jackson recovered, then sustained a foot injury in the second quarter, leaving the team with no healthy quarterbacks on the active roster. The Ravens turned to Joe Fagnano, a 25-year-old rookie undrafted free agent from UConn, to take over the position. In his first NFL action, Fagnano completed 5 of 8 passes for 50 yards and one interception during the remainder of the half.
Fagnano’s path to the NFL was unconventional. He began his college career as a walk-on at Maine, an FCS program, in 2019 before earning a scholarship and backup job quickly. In his collegiate debut, which came after an injury to the starter, Fagnano threw five touchdown passes in an upset victory over FBS opponent Liberty. After dealing with injuries that limited his availability, he transferred to UConn following a solid 2022 season. Despite suffering a season-ending shoulder injury early in his debut year at UConn, Fagnano played extensively in 2024. He gained NFL attention with a strong 2025 season that featured 28 passing touchdowns, one interception and 3,448 passing yards.
The Ravens signed Fagnano as an undrafted free agent after he impressed at their rookie tryout, beating out competitor Diego Pavia. He continued that strong performance during the preseason with a nearly 75% completion percentage, three touchdowns and one interception. With Baltimore facing a two-game losing streak, the team is relying on the rookie to stabilize the position. According to broadcast reports, running back Justice Hill would serve as an emergency backup quarterback if Fagnano sustains an injury as well.
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