Newer update on Lamar Jackson: Kedon Slovis added: Ravens QB options for Week 9
Lamar Jackson injury update: surgery ahead for thumb, rest of season in doubt
A thumb injury that will require surgery could end Lamar Jackson's 2026 season and complicates looming contract talks with the Ravens.
Update: A thumb injury that will require surgery could end Lamar Jackson's 2026 season and complicates looming contract talks with the Ravens.
Lamar Jackson’s return lasted one snap. In his first game back after missing three weeks with a high ankle sprain, he suffered a right thumb injury on Baltimore’s opening play against Buffalo and now needs surgery, according to CBS Sports.
What happened
Jackson hurt his throwing thumb on his first play back against the Bills in Week 8, per CBS Sports. Ravens head coach Jesse Minter said Jackson could be sidelined for the rest of the season after the surgery, according to an earlier report from Fantasy Football Desk.
Yahoo Sports reported the injury will send Jackson to injured reserve. CBS Sports noted his current contract runs through the 2027 season and has no guaranteed salary left beyond this year.
Context
Jackson has 80.1 PPR points in five games this season, with 967 passing yards, six touchdown passes, one interception, 144 rushing yards and a rushing score, per Sleeper. That’s 16.0 PPR points per game.
Before the thumb injury, Jackson had already missed three games with an ankle sprain, according to CBS Sports. The report also said he missed four games last year with back and hamstring injuries.
Depth chart
The Ravens’ quarterback depth chart behind Jackson includes Tyler Huntley, Skylar Thompson, Aaron Bailey and Joe Fagnano, per Sleeper. Huntley has 55.7 PPR points in five games, with 727 passing yards, four touchdown passes, one interception, 76 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. Thompson and Bailey have not played this season.
Fagnano has 0.9 PPR points in one game, with 91 passing yards, one interception and three rushing yards. He is projected for 11.1 PPR points in Week 9, according to Sleeper.
Timeline
On Nov. 1, Fantasy Football Desk reported Jackson was back for Week 8 after missing three weeks with an ankle sprain.
On Nov. 2, Fantasy Football Desk reported Jackson left the game against the Bills with a right thumb injury after throwing an incompletion on his first play. Head coach Jesse Minter said Jackson could miss the rest of the season after having surgery.
On Nov. 2, Fantasy Football Desk reported backup Tyler Huntley was believed to have turf toe and would have an MRI, while rookie Joe Fagnano finished the game and went 10-of-21 for 91 yards and an interception.
What’s next
The Ravens signed Austin Reed to their practice squad on Monday, according to Yahoo Sports. Reed is in line to back up Fagnano on Thursday night against the Jaguars, per Tom Pelissero.
The Ravens signed QB Austin Reed to the practice squad. With Lamar Jackson headed to IR and Snoop Huntley battling turf toe, Reed is now in line to back up rookie Joe Fagnano on Thursday night against the Jaguars.
🏈 Fantasy impact
Jackson’s season is in serious doubt, and fantasy managers should prepare to be without him for the foreseeable future. With Huntley also banged up, Joe Fagnano is the projected Week 9 starter, but he’s a desperation streamer at best — his 91 passing yards and one interception in limited action offer little upside. Austin Reed’s arrival doesn’t change the fantasy outlook. For now, Jackson is a clear drop in redraft leagues if you need the roster spot, though keeper and dynasty managers should hold where possible. If you must replace him, pursue a proven starter on waivers rather than chasing Baltimore’s third-string situation.
Quick answers
Will Lamar Jackson play again this season?
Ravens head coach Jesse Minter said Jackson could miss the rest of the season after surgery.
What is Lamar Jackson's injury?
Jackson suffered a right thumb injury on his first play back against the Bills in Week 8 and needs surgery.
Who will play quarterback for the Ravens if Jackson is out?
Austin Reed was signed to back up Joe Fagnano on Thursday night against the Jaguars.