Lamar Jackson To Undergo Thumb Surgery After One Snap Against Bills

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is headed for surgery on his right thumb and will be placed on injured reserve following a loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Head coach Jesse Minter announced the update after the game in Orchard Park, New York. The injury is considered potentially season-ending. Jackson had missed the previous three weeks with a high ankle sprain. He returned to the lineup on Sunday.

The sequence of events began on the very first offensive play of the contest. Right tackle Roger Rosengarten was knocked backward while attempting to block outside linebacker Greg Rousseau. Rousseau’s arm made contact with Jackson’s hand during the throw. Jackson left the field immediately, holding his thumb out for the crowd to see. Medical staff ruled him out after that single snap.

The team’s depth chart unraveled rapidly in the following minutes. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley entered the game. He suffered a turf toe injury shortly after taking the field. Emergency third-string quarterback Joe Fagnano, an undrafted rookie, then assumed the duties.

Fagnano completed ten of his 21 pass attempts. Wide receiver Zay Flowers, who had never finished a game without a reception in his career, left the game with zero catches. Running back Justice Hill, listed as the fourth quarterback, took several hits and was seen unwrapping his leg in the locker room. Fagnano finished the game but admitted he was not at one hundred percent capacity due to repeated hits.

General manager Eric DeCosta recently acquired running back Cam Jurgens in a trade to bolster the offensive line. Jackson took exactly one snap from the new center. Tight end Mark Andrews, a teammate since the rookie class of 2018, said Jackson fought hard to return to the field over the last few weeks.

Cornerback Marlon Humphrey noted that Jackson spoke to the team before the game. Jackson is known for a quiet demeanor, but his presence in the locker room was described as a source of inspiration. The loss dropped the team’s projected playoff odds to twenty-five percent according to The New York Times simulator.

The Ravens will prepare for a short turnaround. They host the Jacksonville Jaguars for Thursday Night Football in four days. Head coach Minter said the team must rely on whichever player is available at the quarterback position.

Running back Derrick Henry stated the team has nine games remaining on the schedule. He said the players must focus on winning the next game regardless of the personnel issues on the roster.