The much anticipated return of Lamar Jackson lasted one offensive play. Now, the Baltimore Ravens face the possibility of finishing the season without him.
Head coach Jesse Minter said Lamar Jackson will need surgery on his injured right thumb and will go on injured reserve following Sunday’s 36–10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Asked whether the injury could end Jackson’s season, Minter answered: “Potentially, but we’ll see where it’s at.”
Lamar Jackson had returned after missing three games with an ankle injury. Instead of providing the spark Baltimore anticipated, he exited immediately. Backup Tyler Huntley later left with a toe injury, forcing undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano into his NFL debut as the Ravens suffered their third consecutive defeat and fell to 4–4.
The quarterback injuries defined the afternoon. They also heightened concerns about pass protection, the running game and a defense that could not sustain its early resistance.
Protection Problems Compound the Injuries
Buffalo finished with four sacks and 12 quarterback hits. Fagnano absorbed three of those sacks while trying to operate an offense that finished with just 144 total yards.
Baltimore entered the game without starting right guard Vega Ioane, who was sidelined by a knee injury. Andrew Vorhees stepped into his place, creating another adjustment for an offensive line already dealing with injuries and personnel changes.
Right tackle Roger Rosengarten accepted responsibility for not creating enough separation between Jackson and pass rusher Greg Rousseau on the play that injured Lamar Jackson. He also acknowledged the challenge of playing beside different right guards, while stressing that changing personnel could not excuse poor execution.
Minter stopped short of offering a full postgame assessment of the line, saying the abrupt quarterback changes complicated the evaluation and that he needed to review the film.
Nevertheless, the numbers underscored the protection problems. With uncertainty surrounding the Ravens’ quarterbacks, providing time to throw becomes even more important for an offense trying to regain its footing.
Henry’s Role Becomes Even More Important
Establishing Derrick Henry was one of the priorities discussed in our pregame preview with Wole Akinso of Urban Sports Scene. That need became more urgent as Baltimore lost its first two quarterbacks.
Henry finished with 53 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt. There were productive runs, but the Ravens never established the sustained rushing attack it needed to support its depleted passing game.
A holding penalty against Ronnie Stanley erased a 10-yard Henry touchdown in the third quarter. The Ravens settled for a field goal that cut Buffalo’s lead to 16–10, leaving an opportunity to make the game even closer unrealized.
Henry acknowledged afterward that he needs to shoulder more responsibility for the offense.
“Anything I need to do to help this offense go, that’s what I’m going to do,” Henry said.
Making that possible will require more than Henry’s individual effort. Baltimore needs its blocking, play-calling and execution to produce possessions that keep the offense moving.
Watch our pregame discussion below, including a look at Henry’s role, Jackson’s return and the need for a stronger defensive performance.
Defense Keeps It Close Before Buffalo Pulls Away
Improving defensively was also a central focus of our pregame discussion after Baltimore surrendered 35 second-half points against Cincinnati. Against Buffalo, the Ravens initially gave themselves a chance.
Broderick Washington intercepted Josh Allen to set up Henry’s 2-yard touchdown. Roquan Smith forced a DJ Moore fumble that T.J. Tampa recovered, and Baltimore held Buffalo to field goals after two Ravens turnovers created short fields in the first half.
The Ravens trailed 16–7 at halftime and pulled within six early in the third quarter. Buffalo then scored 20 unanswered points.
Minter said the defense became vulnerable to explosive plays while trying to manufacture momentum. Kyle Hamilton also acknowledged that the unit needs to provide more with the offense facing injuries.
The early takeaways were valuable, but Baltimore needs that level of disruption to translate into a more complete defensive performance.
A Short Week With Bigger Questions
Fagnano completed 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards, with an interception and a lost fumble. Huntley’s status still seemed bleak after the game, leaving Baltimore to assess its options before hosting Jacksonville on Thursday.
The Ravens entered Buffalo hoping Jackson’s return would help reverse a losing streak. They left facing an extended absence for their franchise quarterback, potentially lasting the rest of the season.
Whoever takes the next snap will need more support. Better protection, a sustained running game and timely defensive stops are now essential to keeping Baltimore’s season within reach.