Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson needs surgery on his right thumb and will be placed on injured reserve, coach Jesse Minter said after Sunday’s 36-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Jackson was hurt on Baltimore’s first offensive play November 1, ending his return from a separate ankle injury.
According to the Ravens’ report, Jackson’s throwing hand struck Bills pass rusher Gregory Rousseau as he released a pass. Jackson went to the sideline and then the locker room. He returned to the sideline in the third quarter with a cast on his right hand.
Minter said the injury could potentially end Jackson’s season. The coach did not announce a firm return date. NFL.com reported that the planned injured-reserve move would keep Jackson out for at least four games.
Backup Tyler Huntley replaced Jackson but suffered a toe injury in the second quarter, according to the team. Undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano then made his NFL debut. He completed 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards, with an interception and a lost fumble.
Jackson had missed Baltimore’s previous three games because of the ankle injury. Sunday’s defeat dropped the Ravens to 4-4 and left them facing another short preparation week: their next game is against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday Night Football.
The surgery announcement establishes another absence for Jackson; it does not settle when either injured quarterback will be available again.
