2026 Week 8 Breaking News: Lamar Jackson Injures Right Thumb on First Play vs. Bills

Lamar Jackson's return from a high ankle sprain lasted exactly one play. According to ProFootballTalk (NBC Sports), Jackson injured his right thumb on a hard hit during an incompletion intended for Zay Flowers and immediately left the field. The Ravens' medical staff took him to the X-ray room. He is listed as questionable to return. Tyler Huntley has stepped in at quarterback with Baltimore trailing Buffalo 10-0.

Lamar Jackson

Jackson had already missed three games with a high ankle sprain before returning today — and now he's dealing with a new injury before he could even find a rhythm. His fantasy status for the rest of this game is up in the air, and until we know the X-ray results, assume he's done for the day. If there's structural damage to the thumb, the missed-game count could climb well beyond Week 8. Drop nothing yet, but brace for a rough injury report.

Tyler Huntley

Huntley is already in the game and, per our depth chart data, is the clear next man up — he's averaged 87.1% of snaps played across seven games this season, so he's no stranger to meaningful reps. He's a streaming option at best in most fantasy formats (per-reception scoring, or PPR, leagues included), but in deeper leagues or dynasty formats where upside matters, his immediate role is real. The Ravens are already down two scores against Buffalo, which could push them into pass-heavy game scripts — that's not ideal for Huntley's efficiency, but it does mean volume. If Jackson misses time beyond today, Huntley becomes a must-add in all formats.

The connection between these two players is the core fantasy story here: Jackson's health is the Ravens' offense. Zay Flowers, who was the intended receiver on the play Jackson got hurt, also takes a hit in value as long as Baltimore is quarterbacked by committee or Huntley — Jackson's dynamic rushing ability and downfield accuracy elevate everyone around him in ways Huntley simply doesn't replicate.