The Baltimore Ravens will be without quarterback Lamar Jackson for at least four more games after coach Jesse Minter announced Sunday that the two-time NFL MVP needs surgery on his injured right thumb and will be placed on injured reserve. According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic and Brian Wacker of The Baltimore Sun, Minter confirmed the news after Baltimore's 36-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills, delivering another significant setback for a team that has lost three straight games.

Jackson suffered the injury on Baltimore's first offensive snap Sunday when his throwing hand struck Bills pass rusher Greg Rousseau during an incomplete pass intended for Zay Flowers. He immediately left the field and was ruled out before the end of the first quarter.

The injury occurred during Jackson's first appearance after missing three consecutive games with a high ankle sprain.

Ravens will be without Jackson for at least four games

Under NFL injured reserve rules, Jackson must miss at least four games after being placed on IR. That would eliminate him from Baltimore's upcoming matchups against Jacksonville, the Los Angeles Chargers, Carolina and Houston.m Because the Ravens have their bye in Week 13, the earliest Jackson could become eligible to return would be the Week 14 matchup against Tampa Bay on Dec. 13, assuming he is placed on injured reserve before Thursday's Jacksonville game.

Eligibility does not guarantee he will be medically cleared to play. Minter's announcement establishes that surgery is necessary, but the Ravens have not provided a detailed recovery timetable.

Baltimore faces an immediate quarterback crisis

Jackson's absence is particularly concerning because backup Tyler Huntley also suffered a toe injury against Buffalo and was ruled out.

Undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano made his NFL debut in relief, completing 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards and an interception. Fagnano also absorbed several hits and required attention during the game.

The Ravens finished with just 144 total yards and allowed four sacks and 12 quarterback hits as Buffalo dominated the second half. Baltimore fell to 4-4, with its offense struggling to produce consistently throughout Jackson's earlier absence. General manager Eric DeCosta now faces an urgent decision about quarterback depth before Thursday night's home game against Jacksonville.

The Ravens have until the Nov. 10 trade deadline to consider a potential acquisition, although signing an available veteran could provide a more immediate solution.

For now, Baltimore must prepare for a prolonged stretch without its franchise quarterback, with Jackson's surgery and the health of Huntley and Fagnano creating significant uncertainty about the team's immediate future.