Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence suffered a scary injury during the team’s Week 13 matchup against the Houston Texans. Let’s examine the latest on Lawrence’s status and how long he’ll be sidelined.
What Is Trevor Lawrence’s Injury?
After taking a late hit from Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair late in the second quarter, Lawrence appeared to assume the fencing posture, which is when a person’s hands and arms extend or flex in an unnatural position, and it’s usually accompanied by a loss of consciousness. Lawrence stayed down for a bit before getting carted to the locker room.
Lawrence was sliding after a scramble, while the Houston linebacker appeared to have plenty of time to stop before launching his shoulder and forearm into Lawrence’s head. FOX broadcaster Daryl Johnston called Al-Shaair’s hit “egregious.”
Multiple brawls broke out after Al-Shaair’s hit on Lawrence. Eventually, Jaguars tight end Evan Engram and cornerback Jarrian Jones were also called for personal fouls.
Al-Shaair was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct and ejected from Sunday’s game, and Jones was also ejected. The NFL recently suspended Al-Shaair for three games as well.
“It’s a play that has no business in our league,” head coach Doug Pederson said after Jacksonville’s loss.
After the game, Lawrence posted the following update on X: “Thank you to everyone who has reached out / been praying for me. I’m home and feeling better. Means a lot, thank you all🙌🏼”
When Will Lawrence Return From Concussion?
On Wednesday, the Jaguars placed Lawrence on injured reserve, ending his season. Even before the concussion, Lawrence was already dealing with a sprained AC joint in his non-throwing shoulder that could require surgery.
Now, he’ll be able to rest and let both injuries heal.
The Jaguars are currently 2-10 and have been eliminated from the playoffs, according to PFN’s Playoff Predictor, so it doesn’t make sense to bring Lawrence back this season.
Pederson recently said that the Jaguars have “to be smart for his long-term health.”
Also, Jacksonville has a 10.6% chance of landing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which is another reason to sit the quarterback for the remainder of the year.
Now, Lawrence will focus on getting healthy and preparing for the start of the 2025 season.
How Will Lawrence’s Absence Impact the Jaguars?
Mac Jones will start in Lawrence’s place, and he certainly represents a downgrade.
Previously, Jones started for the Jaguars in Weeks 10 and 11, throwing for just 249 total yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions; both were Jacksonville losses.
In those two starts, Jones ranked dead last in passing success rate (31%) and next-to-last in EPA per dropback (-0.30).
Jones was more productive against the Texans on Sunday, completing 20 of 32 attempts for 235 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
The Jaguars don’t have much to play for at this point, so they’ll likely focus on developing their young talent and focus on getting them reps.