Lamar Jackson faces thumb surgery, likely out for the 2026 season

The Baltimore Ravens lost 36 to 10 on Sunday, but the final score is secondary to the injury that ended their season outlook. Lamar Jackson, who suffered a thumb injury on the first offensive play of the game, requires surgery and may not return in 2026. Head coach Jesse Minter confirmed the diagnosis and placed the two-time MVP on the injured list.

Jackson had missed three prior games due to a toe injury. During a pass attempt to Zay Flowers, he failed to complete the throw, and his right hand struck Buffalo Bills defender Greg Rousseau. Jackson immediately left the field, pointing to his thumb. He knelt before reaching the sideline and was guided into the tunnel. He later returned to the bench with a splinted thumb to watch the second half.

The injury forced the Ravens to rely on backup quarterback Tyler Huntley. Huntley suffered a toe injury in the second quarter after being tackled by Bills safety Cole Bishop. He lost the ball on third down and was ruled out for the rest of the game. Minter has not provided an updated timeline for Huntley, suggesting the team may need to sign a new quarterback before facing the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Emergency quarterback Joe Fagnano, a rookie out of UConn, entered the game on the next possession. He took a hit to the knee from Bills defensive lineman Ed Oliver, who was penalized for roughing the passer. Fagnano completed 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards and one interception. He expects to be ready for Thursday’s game, stating that post-game bumps are normal.

The Ravens are currently 4-4 and have lost three straight. Their offensive output dropped sharply without Jackson. In the three games Jackson played, the team outscored opponents by a wider margin than in the two games he missed. Specifically, the Ravens scored 63 fewer points and averaged three fewer yards per play without him.

The team hosts the Jaguars on Thursday night. Minter, in his first season replacing John Harbaugh, emphasized the need for unity and readiness from the next player in line. Linebacker Roquan Smith noted the emotional toll of losing their best quarterback, calling the sport unforgiving regardless of a player's status.

The Ravens’ schedule continues with a home game against Jacksonville. Minter said the team will rely on the players available to them as they navigate the rest of the season without their starting quarterback.