Ravens QB Lamar Jackson heads to IR after thumb injury

Lamar Jackson is going on injured reserve after suffering a thumb injury during the Baltimore Ravens' game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Ravens head coach Jesse Minter told reporters that Jackson requires surgery for the injury.

The damage occurred on the first offensive snap of the contest. Jackson attempted a pass to Zay Flowers but could not complete his follow-through. His right hand struck the arm of Bills pass rusher Greg Rousseau. Jackson immediately pointed to his thumb and left the field. He took a knee before reaching the sideline and was escorted down the tunnel. He later returned to the sideline to watch the second half with a splint on his hand.

Minter stated, "That'll be a surgery deal. He'll go to (injured reserve). That's a tough deal." Jackson had missed the three prior games with an ankle injury. This new injury could end his season.

Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley entered the game to replace Jackson. Huntley was sacked by safety Cole Bishop on a third-and-eight play at the Baltimore 40-yard line. He fumbled the ball and suffered a toe injury. The Ravens ruled him out to start the third quarter. Minter said he did not have an immediate update on Huntley's status.

Undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano from UConn made his NFL debut on the next series. Fagnano completed 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards and one interception. He completed his first two passes for 28 yards.

Baltimore fell to a 4-4 record in the 36-10 defeat. The team will play at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night. Without Jackson, the Ravens scored 63 fewer points and averaged three fewer yards per play compared to games where he was active.