Voltar
The Baltimore Ravens could soon have two quarterbacks on injured reserve as they prepare for Thursday Night Football against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Ravens coach Jesse Minter acknowledged Tuesday that backup quarterback Tyler Huntley is a candidate for injured reserve after suffering a turf toe injury during Sunday's 36-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The development comes as Baltimore prepares to place Lamar Jackson on injured reserve following a right thumb injury that will require surgery.
According to The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec, Minter said the Ravens expect to know more about the timing of Jackson's procedure within the next couple of days. ESPN's Jamison Hensley and The Baltimore Sun's Brian Wacker also reported Minter's comments about Huntley's potential injured reserve designation.
Huntley has not been placed on injured reserve, but the possibility raises additional concerns about Baltimore's quarterback depth beyond Thursday's game.
Huntley suffered the injury during the second quarter against Buffalo after replacing Jackson, whose return from an ankle injury lasted only one offensive snap. The veteran backup completed two of four passes for no yards before leaving the game. His departure forced undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano into his first regular-season appearance, making Baltimore's quarterback situation considerably more complicated.
Huntley did not participate in Monday's estimated walkthrough and was not spotted practicing Tuesday. Minter previously indicated that Huntley was unlikely to be available against Jacksonville, but placing him on injured reserve would extend his absence well beyond Thursday night.
If Baltimore places Huntley on injured reserve, he would be required to miss at least four games before becoming eligible for activation. The development is especially significant because Jackson is already expected to miss at least four games and could be sidelined longer, depending on the outcome of his surgery and rehabilitation.
Jackson injured his throwing thumb when his hand collided with Bills pass rusher Greg Rousseau during Baltimore's opening offensive play Sunday.
Minter confirmed after the game that Jackson would require surgery and be placed on injured reserve, although the coach has not ruled out the possibility that the injury could end the quarterback's season. The Ravens expect more information on the timing of the procedure in the coming days, but no timetable for Jackson's return has been confirmed.
With Jackson and Huntley unavailable, Baltimore has officially named Fagnano its starter against Jacksonville.
The Ravens also signed Kedon Slovis from Green Bay's practice squad to their 53-man roster Tuesday and added Austin Reed to their practice squad Monday, adding quarterback depth.
Fagnano, who completed 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards with an interception and a lost fumble against Buffalo, is also managing an ankle injury. He practiced Tuesday wearing a substantial brace on his right ankle after being listed as limited during Monday's estimated walkthrough.
Baltimore enters Thursday's matchup at 4-4 after three straight losses, with its quarterback situation becoming one of the biggest challenges facing Minter and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle.
The Ravens and Jaguars will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET Thursday at M&T Bank Stadium.