Lamar Jackson Thumb Surgery: When Could He Return, and What Is the Ravens' Quarterback Plan Now?

Buffalo’s 36-10 win over Baltimore on Sunday, Nov. 1, was settled on the scoreboard. The bigger story for the Ravens is what happens next. Lamar Jackson needs surgery on his right thumb and is headed to injured reserve. Backup Tyler Huntley is dealing with a toe injury. And Baltimore has to play the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night.

Here is where things stand early Monday.

Lamar Jackson injury update: surgery and IR

Jackson had just returned from a high ankle sprain that cost him three-plus games. He hurt his thumb on Baltimore’s first offensive snap when his throwing hand hit the arm of Bills edge rusher Greg Rousseau. He later came back to the sideline with his right hand in a cast.

“That’ll be a surgery deal,” coach Jesse Minter said, per USA Today. “He’ll go to IR. That’s a tough deal.” Asked whether the injury could end Jackson’s season, Minter said “potentially,” according to USA Today. Pro Football Rumors reported that Minter said it is unclear whether Jackson will return this season.

The team has not announced the date of the surgery or a recovery timeline.

When is the earliest Lamar Jackson could return?

Players on injured reserve must miss at least four games. Pro Football Rumors noted that Baltimore has four games left before its bye week, so Jackson could come back no earlier than Week 14. Whether he actually returns then depends on the surgery and his recovery. The Ravens haven’t given any timeline beyond IR.

Is Lamar Jackson playing Thursday? No. Because he is going on IR, he will miss Thursday’s game against Jacksonville.

Ravens QB plan: Huntley, Fagnano or someone new?

Baltimore’s depth chart is thin right now:

• Tyler Huntley: He replaced Jackson but hurt his toe in the second quarter. When asked about Huntley’s status, Minter said only “we’ll see,” per USA Today. Huntley also filled in during Jackson’s ankle absence. Pro Football Rumors noted Baltimore won twice in that stretch, then lost to the Browns and Bengals after blowing double-digit leads.
• Joe Fagnano: The undrafted rookie from UConn made his NFL debut in relief and was the only healthy quarterback left at the end of the game. Pro Football Rumors said he could be in line for his first start Thursday, depending on Huntley’s status and any roster moves.
• Outside help: Pro Football Rumors and USA Today both said Baltimore likely needs to add a quarterback, through free agency or a trade, before the short week.

USA Today listed possible targets. These are options, not reported talks:

1. Kirk Cousins (Raiders). USA Today said it’s unclear whether Las Vegas would trade him after its win over the Jets.
2. Jimmy Garoppolo, a free agent who USA Today said is believed to be open to playing in the right situation.
3. Josh Johnson, who has had three stints with the Ravens and is on Cincinnati’s practice squad.
4. Easton Stick, a former Chargers backup who overlapped with Minter in Los Angeles. He is on Tampa Bay’s practice squad.

No signing or trade had been announced as of early Monday.

What it means for Baltimore’s season

The loss dropped the Ravens to 4-4, their third straight defeat. Pro Football Rumors wrote that a playoff push, even for a wild-card spot, will be hard while the team is short-handed at quarterback in a competitive AFC North.

There is also a longer-term angle. Pro Football Rumors noted that Jackson, 29, is under contract through 2027 and is set to carry an $84.34 million cap charge next year after extension talks stalled in the spring. The outlet suggested another injury-hit season could affect his position when talks resume.

Bills side: 6-1 and rolling

For Buffalo, the win improved its record to 6-1 and kept it atop the AFC East. Josh Allen threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns in the 36-10 win, as covered in our earlier recap. The Bills’ next game is at Minnesota on “Monday Night Football” on Nov. 9.

FAQ

Earlier coverage: Bills Rout Ravens 36-10 as Lamar Jackson Hurts Thumb on First Snap, Needs Surgery (Nov 1)