Lamar Jackson needs thumb surgery and heads to IR after Bills loss

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson needs surgery on his right thumb and is going on injured reserve, coach Jesse Minter said after Sunday's 36-10 loss at Buffalo. ESPN and NFL Network both carried Minter's comments from the postgame press conference.

What's confirmed

Jackson hurt the thumb on Baltimore's first offensive play. His throwing hand hit the hand of Bills edge rusher Greg Rousseau, who was trying to bat the pass down, and Jackson went to the tunnel with the hand wrapped. He came back to the sideline in the third quarter wearing what looked like a brace.

This was his first game back after missing three straight with a high ankle sprain. Injured reserve keeps him out at least four games.

Backup Tyler Huntley left in the second quarter with a right toe injury and was ruled out in the third. Undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano finished the game, going 10 of 21 for 91 yards and an interception, per ESPN.

What isn't settled

Minter called the injury potentially season-ending, but when asked directly, he said "we'll see." There is no surgery date or return timeline yet. Huntley's status is also uncertain, which leaves Fagnano as the only healthy quarterback on the roster with the Ravens hosting Jacksonville on Thursday night. Expect Baltimore to add a quarterback this week.

What RSO owners should do now

Move Jackson to an IR slot if your league has one, and plan on at least a month without him. In superflex and 2QB leagues, find a replacement starter before Thursday, since waiver claims may not clear in time for the Ravens game.

Do not sell Jackson for scraps in dynasty. The contract question is real, though. If your league has in-season cut rules, check what dropping him would cost against what a lost season means for your cap before making any move.

Ravens pass catchers take a hit too. Their outlook now depends on Huntley's toe or an unproven rookie, so lower expectations for Thursday.

What to watch next

Watch for a surgery update and any return-window estimate, Huntley's practice status on Tuesday and Wednesday, and whichever quarterback Baltimore signs or claims before the Jaguars game.