Rookie Quarterback Joe Fagnano Prepares for First NFL Start

Rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano is set to take the spotlight. On Thursday night, Fagnano, who went undrafted from UConn, will move from practicing with his wife in their living room to making his NFL debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Baltimore Ravens’ first-year coach Jessie Minter announced that Fagnano, usually the team’s No. 3 quarterback, will start on Thursday night. Tyler Huntley’s availability as a backup remains uncertain after he was injured in Week 8’s loss to the Buffalo Bills.

With his upcoming start in Week 9, Fagnano will be the second undrafted rookie quarterback in Ravens history to start a regular-season game. “It’s special,” Fagnano remarked. “It’s the only way I can think about it.”

Fagnano moves to the starting position after Lamar Jackson’s return from a thumb injury in the Week 8 blowout loss. Jackson had previously been sidelined with a left ankle sprain. Fagnano, who practiced with an ankle brace, stated, “Every game you got bumps and bruises. It’s just football, a physical game we play. It feels good, though.”

The 25-year-old earned a spot on the Ravens roster with an impressive preseason, throwing for 91 yards in his debut. Coach Minter praised Fagnano, saying, “He’s cool, calm, and collected. He doesn’t really get rattled.”

The Ravens, currently amid a three-game losing streak, find themselves at the bottom of the AFC North heading into Week 9. In response to injuries at the quarterback position, the Ravens signed Austin Reed and Kedon Slovis.

Only one other undrafted quarterback, Cooper Rush, began his first regular-season start under the prime-time lights before Fagnano. This will change on Thursday when Fagnano starts for the Ravens.

Chantz Martin covers sports for Fox News Digital.