The 4-2 Jacksonville Jaguars are looking to get their fifth win of the season on Thursday night. Will they have to do so without their quarterback, Trevor Lawrence? There are question marks about his availability for this week’s Thursday Night Football matchup.
The Jaguars quarterback suffered a left knee injury in their 37-20 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, and while it is reportedly being described as a knee sprain, the belief is that it is not a significant one that would force him to miss extended time.
While the long-term prognosis on the injury is a good one, Jacksonville has a quick turnaround in Week 7. They have a matchup with Derek Carr and the New Orleans Saints and, as a result, the otherwise mild knee sprain becomes a more pressing issue.
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Is Trevor Lawrence Playing Week 7?
Editor’s Note: Lawrence is officially active and playing tonight against the Saints.
On the latest injury report, Lawrence was listed as limited — like he was much of the week. However, the belief is that he will in fact be out there on Thursday night to take on the Saints. He said he felt optimistic about his chances of suiting up for the matchup.
“I’m going to do everything I can to be out there,” Lawrence said. “I feel a lot better today than I would have thought, so I like how I’m progressing.”
MORE: Jaguars vs. Saints Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em
Lawrence spoke to the collected media on Tuesday, further driving home the feeling of optimism regarding his availability.
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” emphasized the positive feelings around Lawrence and tonight’s matchup.
Even Jacksonville backup quarterback C.J. Beathard may have tipped the plan to the media this week. He said it was “very likely” that Lawrence was playing when asked about the situation. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Lawrence “could easily be a game time decision.”
NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe later reported that Lawrence had prepared all week to play. According to his sources, as long as all goes well in the pregame workout, he’s expected to start tonight vs. the Saints.
Head coach Doug Pederson also confirmed to ESPN’s Ed Werder that he expects Lawrence will start, pending a pregame workout.
Jacksonville HC Doug Pederson told @WerderEdESPN that he expects Jaguars’ QB Trevor Lawrence will start tonight against the Saints, pending a pregame workout. Lawrence has reported improvement in his mild left knee sprain.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 19, 2023
Ultimately, it looks like the Jaguars dodged a bullet with this injury. If Lawrence is able to get out of Thursday’s matchup with no setbacks, he’ll have 10 days to rest before their next game in Week 8.
Tough Test for Lawrence and the Jaguars
It’s a good thing that all signs point to Lawrence being ready to go tonight because the Saints’ defense is no joke. New Orleans’ defensive unit statistically ranks top five so far this season, playing with toughness and speed to frustrate and get after quarterbacks.
Jacksonville better have a solid plan of attack, one that can be productive as well as protective of their battered QB on Thursday night.
