The Baltimore Ravens are searching for answers without Lamar Jackson. Again. The two-time MVP is set to hit IR after suffering a painful thumb injury on the team's first offensive play in Week 8.
It might not be as easy as throwing Tyler Huntley back into the starting unit, either. Huntley also got injured on Sunday, leaving the game with a toe injury, and reports signal it could be turf toe. That could keep the 28-year-old out for at least one game.
Amid that quarterback storm, the Ravens must consider all options ahead of their Week 9 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday Night Football.
Here are three QB plans Baltimore can pursue during Jackson’s absence.
3 QB directions the Baltimore Ravens can go in with Lamar Jackson on IR
Let Joe Fagnano rip it
Joe Fagnano looked great in the preseason, and while he wasn’t good in the three quarters he played in Sunday's loss, he flashed on several throws. His arm looked slightly livelier than Tyler Huntley’s, and he didn’t play scared of the relentless pressure the offensive line let seep through.
Given the injuries, Fagnano may get the start in Week 9. It’s a short week, and if Huntley is really dealing with turf toe, he’s probably out for Thursday. The same could go for free agent and trade candidates — there probably won’t be enough time for them to learn Declan Doyle’s offense.
However, even after Week 9, Fagnano might be the move. Baltimore stuck with him out of preseason for a reason. Sure, he probably won’t give them the best chance to win games, but as a developmental piece and the Ravens’ potential future QB2, this is a great chance to see what Fagnano has in his arsenal.
He knows the offense better than any option out there right now, and hey, maybe he shocks some people.
Sign a veteran signal caller like Jimmy Garoppolo
If Baltimore plans to stay in the playoff hunt, they should go the veteran route. There aren’t many great veterans on the free-agent market, but Jimmy Garoppolo is one with plenty of experience. He’s played in the NFL for 12 years and has 64 career starts.
Garoppolo hasn’t started a game since 2024, hasn’t played well since 2022 when he was in Kyle Shanahan’s offense with the San Francisco 49ers, and is probably washed up at 35 years old. That doesn’t mean he can’t contribute, though.
The veteran signal caller has the arm to make throws and keep defenses honest, and could take advantage of weapons like Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. If the passing attack can be at least somewhat competent, that should open things for Derrick Henry and the rushing attack, too.
Baltimore’s also in the middle of an ugly three-game losing streak and is backed into a corner at 4-4. If they want any chance at turning things around, they may want a QB with a battle-tested mindset. Garoppolo certainly has that.
It’d be a desperate move that probably wouldn’t change much, but that’s where the Ravens find themselves.
Trade for a toolsy, athletic QB in Anthony Richardson
Now for the fun option. Jesse Minter noted Lamar Jackson’s injury could be season-ending. In that disaster scenario, it may be smart to seek out a quarterback with the athletic and physical tools to fit Declan Doyle’s offense.
Enter Anthony Richardson.
Richardson was one of the more hyped draft prospects in recent memory. He’s a 6-foot-4, 244-pound quarterback who ran a 4.43 40-yard dash and possesses a ROCKET arm. Unfortunately, his tools as a passer never came around, and he’s stuck as the Indianapolis Colts’ backup.
Richardson played on Sunday, relieving Daniel Jones late in a blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He went 2-for-2 for 8 yards, and added four yards on two carries. Nothing special, but at least he’s seen game action recently.
The cost would likely be really cheap. The Colts shouldn’t charge the Ravens more than a late Day 3 pick if they’re interested. If that’s the case, it’s a swing worth taking.
The 24-year-old still has potential to unlock, and given Baltimore’s dramatic offensive line troubles, having a player who can escape pressure and make plays with his legs could be the smarter choice. It’d make the offense bearable to watch in some capacity.
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