Baltimore turned to rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano during its Week 8 matchup with the Buffalo Bills on November 1 after injuries forced both Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley out of the game. The undrafted free agent from UConn entered as the Ravens' third option at quarterback, with Baltimore attempting to end a two-game losing streak.
Jackson was returning from an ankle injury but hurt his thumb against Gregory Rousseau on Baltimore's opening offensive snap and immediately headed to the locker room. Huntley, who had started the previous three games during Jackson's absence, took over before suffering an injury of his own in the second quarter when his foot became caught or rolled up on by Ed Oliver.
Huntley was listed as questionable to return, leaving Fagnano to finish the half. In his first NFL appearance, the rookie completed five of eight passes for 50 yards and threw one interception. According to the CBS broadcast, running back Justice Hill would be the next emergency option at quarterback if Fagnano also suffered an injury.
Although new to NFL game action, the 25-year-old Fagnano arrived with a lengthy college career behind him. He joined Maine, an FCS program, as a walk-on in 2019 and quickly secured both a scholarship and the backup quarterback role. His first college appearance, like his professional debut, followed an injury to the starter. A week later, he threw five touchdown passes in his first start, helping Maine upset FBS opponent Liberty.
His time at Maine included two shortened seasons. The Black Bears played just four games in 2020 because of COVID-19, and an injury limited Fagnano to four appearances in 2021. He put together a solid 2022 season before transferring to UConn, where another injury interrupted his progress.
A shoulder injury ended Fagnano's first UConn season after only two games. He played most of the 2024 season, then attracted NFL attention with his performance in 2025. That year, he passed for 3,448 yards and 28 touchdowns while throwing just one interception.
Baltimore brought Fagnano in for a rookie tryout, where he beat out Diego Pavia for a chance to remain with the team through the summer. He followed that opportunity with a strong preseason, completing nearly 75% of his passes while recording three touchdowns and one interception. The injuries against Buffalo then placed him in charge of the Ravens' offense during his NFL debut.
