Kedon Slovis added: Ravens QB options for Week 9
Baltimore signed Kedon Slovis off the Packers' practice squad and added Austin Reed to its practice squad as it deals with injuries at quarterback.
The Baltimore Ravens added quarterback Kedon Slovis off the Packers’ practice squad on Tuesday, according to the Ringer via CBS Sports. The move comes with Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley sidelined and Joe Fagnano dealing with an ankle injury, leaving Baltimore’s Week 9 starter against the Jacksonville Jaguars uncertain.
What happened
Slovis has never started an NFL game and has thrown two career passes, both in mop-up duty for the Cardinals last season. He may be forced to start Thursday with only two practices under his belt in Baltimore.
The Ravens also signed Austin Reed to their practice squad on Monday. Reed spent part of training camp and the preseason in Baltimore, completing 6 of 12 passes for 59 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in three preseason games, plus a touchdown run. He has never thrown a regular-season pass.
Baltimore also worked out 2024 UFL MVP Adrian Martinez, but he has not been signed.
Context
Lamar Jackson suffered a thumb injury on Baltimore’s first offensive play against the Bills in Week 8 and is headed for injured reserve after surgery. Tyler Huntley injured his toe in that game and is also out.
Joe Fagnano, an undrafted rookie out of UConn, played the majority of the game against Buffalo, going 10-of-21 for 91 yards and an interception after taking zero first-team reps during the week. He is dealing with an ankle injury, but coach Jesse Minter said after Monday’s walkthrough, “To Joe’s credit, he’s kind of fighting through a couple things he’s dealing with, but expect him to have a chance to play on Thursday.”
If Fagnano is healthy enough to play, he will start. Otherwise, Baltimore will roll with Slovis or Reed. Since Slovis was signed off another team’s practice squad, he has a guaranteed spot on the 53-man roster this week.
Depth chart
Sleeper’s depth chart lists Lamar Jackson as QB1, Tyler Huntley as QB2, Skylar Thompson as QB3 (on injured reserve), Aaron Bailey as QB4, and Joe Fagnano as QB5. Kedon Slovis and Austin Reed are not yet listed.
Jackson has 80.1 PPR points in 5 games, Huntley 55.7 in 5 games, and Fagnano 0.9 in 1 game this season.
What’s next
The Ravens play the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night. Fagnano’s availability will determine whether he, Slovis, or Reed starts.
🏈 Fantasy impact
This is a dire situation for Ravens pass catchers. None of the available quarterbacks — Joe Fagnano, Kedon Slovis, or Austin Reed — has any meaningful NFL experience, and the Thursday night game leaves almost no prep time. Fagnano managed only 91 passing yards against Buffalo, and Slovis has thrown two career passes. There is no fantasy-relevant quarterback to add here; even in superflex formats, none of these options is a viable start. The only actionable move is to look elsewhere for quarterback help this week. Avoid starting any Ravens pass catcher unless you have no alternatives.
Quick answers
Who will start at quarterback for the Ravens in Week 9?
Joe Fagnano will start if healthy enough to play; otherwise Baltimore will roll with Kedon Slovis or Austin Reed, according to CBS Sports.
What is Joe Fagnano's injury status?
Fagnano is dealing with an ankle injury, but coach Jesse Minter said he expects him to have a chance to play Thursday, according to CBS Sports.