Ravens QB Lamar Jackson Faces Season-Ending Surgery Following Thumb Injury Against Bills

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will undergo surgery on his right thumb and be placed on injured reserve, casting significant doubt on his availability for the remainder of the 2026 NFL season. Ravens head coach Jesse Minter confirmed the development following the team’s loss to the Buffalo Bills, as reported by the New York Post. The injury, which occurred during Jackson’s first play after returning from a high-ankle sprain, forces the Ravens to navigate a critical stretch of their schedule without their two-time MVP.

The Injury in Orchard Park

The incident occurred early in the game at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. As Jackson attempted a pass, Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Greg Rousseau made contact with the quarterback’s hand. Jackson left the field immediately and was ruled out for the remainder of the afternoon. According to the New York Post, Jackson had only recently returned to the lineup after missing three games due to a high-ankle sprain. The latest setback now requires a surgical procedure, meaning Jackson is mandated to miss at least four games while on injured reserve.

Quarterback Depth Concerns in Baltimore

The Ravens faced additional personnel challenges during the same contest against Buffalo. Backup quarterback Tyler “Snoop” Huntley exited the game with a toe injury, leaving undrafted UConn rookie Joe Fagnano to lead the offense. Fagnano finished the game 10-of-21 for 91 yards with one interception and a lost fumble. While Fagnano appeared to sustain hits during his time on the field, he indicated after the game that he expected to be fine, according to reporting by the New York Post.

Implications for the AFC North Standings

The loss to Buffalo dropped the Ravens to a 4-4 record, placing them at the bottom of the AFC North. With Jackson sidelined, the organization faces an urgent need to stabilize the quarterback position. The team’s performance with Jackson under center earlier this season—a 3-1 record where he completed 70.8 percent of his passes for 967 yards and six touchdowns—highlights the difficulty of replacing his production.

Schedule and Return Timeline

The Ravens’ immediate schedule provides little time for transition. The team is set to face the AFC South-leading Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2) on Thursday in Baltimore. Following that matchup, the Ravens will have a 10-day break before facing the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football in Week 10. When asked by reporters if the thumb surgery would definitively end Jackson’s season, coach Jesse Minter responded, “Potentially. We’ll see where it’s at.”