Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will undergo surgery for a thumb injury sustained during the team's first offensive play against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh stated that the injury could result in Jackson missing the remainder of the NFL season.
Jackson suffered the injury while following through on a pass during the opening snap of the game in Buffalo. He was ruled out of the contest and later appeared on the sideline wearing a black brace on his right hand. The Ravens, who were also without backup Tyler Huntley due to a toe injury, lost the game 36-10, dropping their record to 4-4.
In his absence, undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano made his NFL debut. Jackson, a two-time league Most Valuable Player, has one year remaining on a five-year, $260 million contract extension signed in 2023. Reports indicate there have been no recent negotiations regarding a further extension, and the quarterback will turn 30 in January.
The scale of the impact involves the remaining games of the regular season and the $260 million contract currently held by Jackson. The injury follows recent health issues for the quarterback, as he had just returned from an ankle injury.
Knock-on effects include a heavier reliance on the Ravens' defense. The situation also draws attention to the lack of a formal succession plan at quarterback, as the team utilized a third-string undrafted rookie in Jackson's absence. The Ravens' next steps involve Jackson's surgery and determining if he will be placed on injured reserve. As of Sunday evening, a specific return date has not been confirmed.