Joe Fagnano gets his first NFL start, with little time to settle in

November 6 update: Ravens complete the Brissett trade

The Ravens completed their trade for Jacoby Brissett on Friday. Baltimore announced undisclosed draft compensation. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Arizona gets Baltimore’s 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 seventh, while Baltimore gets Brissett and a 2027 fifth-round pick.

Brissett has made 73 NFL starts, including Arizona’s first eight this season. Ravens editorial director Ryan Mink wrote that Brissett is slated to start against the Chargers. Baltimore gets an experienced quarterback after Thursday’s 33-10 loss to Jacksonville, in which Fagnano passed for 60 yards and threw two interceptions.

November 5 final: Jaguars 33, Ravens 10

Joe Fagnano finished his first NFL start with 60 passing yards and two interceptions as Jacksonville beat Baltimore 33-10 on Thursday. The former UConn quarterback helped put a field goal on the board on the opening drive. The Ravens’ only touchdown came in the fourth quarter when running back Justice Hill broke free for 65 yards.

Trevor Lawrence threw for 242 yards and a touchdown and led seven Jacksonville scoring drives. The Ravens turned the ball over three times and fell to 4-5. Hill’s one run covered more ground than Baltimore gained through all of Fagnano’s completions combined.

November 4: the starting assignment

Joe Fagnano will make his first NFL start Thursday against Jacksonville, Baltimore coach Jesse Minter announced Tuesday. Injuries to Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley have moved the undrafted former UConn quarterback to the front of a reshuffled room. The Ravens enter the game 4-4 after three consecutive losses.

Fagnano has an ankle injury of his own. The Ravens reported that he was a full participant in Tuesday’s practice despite having the ankle taped. That describes his practice availability; it does not establish how freely he will move against Jacksonville. A short week leaves the offense little time to adjust around its new starter.

Baltimore has added Kedon Slovis from Green Bay’s practice squad and brought Austin Reed back to its practice squad. Fagnano has been in this offense longer than those immediate reinforcements. The practical task is to get the play called, recognize the defense and keep the next decision manageable.

What the UConn record tells us

At UConn in 2025, Fagnano completed 285 of 413 passes for 3,448 yards, 28 touchdowns and one interception in 12 games. The school’s official season table lists a 69.01 percent completion rate. The interception total is especially striking across that many attempts: his final college season gives Baltimore a record of sustained ball security to work from.

The NFL assignment will test that strength against faster coverage changes and a pass rush with less room for a late decision. An interception avoided on Saturday does not tell us whether a window will stay open on Thursday. The useful measure is whether Fagnano can make the same kind of disciplined choice when the picture changes after the snap.

For Connecticut readers, this is a substantial next step for a quarterback whose final UConn season ended with 28 scoring passes against one interception. For Baltimore, it is an immediate problem to solve in a season that has reached .500. Fagnano has earned the first call; the offense around him must make that call workable.

Jacksonville visits M&T Bank Stadium on Thursday, November 5, at 8:15 p.m. EST. The Ravens list Prime Video as the national viewing destination.

November 4 update: Huntley injury report

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday that tests showed Tyler Huntley had suffered season-ending turf toe. Ravens staff writer Clifton Brown relayed that report on the team’s website. The reported loss would further reduce Baltimore’s experienced quarterback options behind Fagnano, whose first start remains scheduled for Thursday against Jacksonville.

November 4 evening update: reported Brissett trade

Baltimore is finalizing a trade with Arizona for Jacoby Brissett, ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday. The deal is expected to be completed over the weekend, according to ESPN. Ravens editorial director Ryan Mink also relayed the report and said Fagnano will still start Thursday against Jacksonville. Trade terms have not been reported.

The timing leaves Fagnano’s immediate assignment intact while giving Baltimore a possible veteran option afterward. The Ravens also reported Wednesday that guard Vega Ioane has no game designation for Thursday following his knee injury. Cornerback Nate Wiggins is questionable because of illness, and safety Jaylinn Hawkins is out with a knee injury. Wednesday’s walkthrough participation report was an estimate.