The Jacksonville Jaguars have an early turnaround in Week 7, as they head to the Caesars Superdome to take on the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football. And there are some question marks surrounding Jaguars star quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who suffered an injury in their Week 6 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Lawrence suffered a knee injury in the final minute of their 37-20 victory over the Colts on Sunday. It doesn’t appear to be a long-term injury, as an MRI cleared him of any structural damage to his injured knee.
Ian Rapoport on NFL Network revealed on Monday that Lawrence has been diagnosed with a “slight knee sprain”, which does put his status for Thursday’s game in question.
From @NFLGameDay Kickoff: The status of #Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence for Thursday is in some doubt after a slight knee sprain on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/8Tsrk2abVV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 16, 2023
However, there was an encouraging update that emerged on Lawrence Tuesday.
He was spotted at practice on Tuesday taking part in individual drills while wearing a knee brace.
#Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence was at practice today sporting a knee brace on his left knee. He warmed up and participated in a lot, but not all, of the Indy drills. pic.twitter.com/CdX2hKDmmj
— Demetrius Harvey (@Demetrius82) October 17, 2023
Fans offered their opinion of this encouraging news, and now many think that it is likely that he will suit up for Jacksonville’s TNF matchup with New Orleans.
He playing Thursday, guy is built different
— Pain 🏴🐆 (Fire Baalke) (@TerroristBaalke) October 17, 2023
Yeah he’s playing. Glad he’s ok.
— Sean (@seanchodge) October 17, 2023
Good sign
— @sawyerkimbrough (@sawyerkimbrough) October 17, 2023
Great news
— Ray Brice (@rbrice88) October 17, 2023
My QB. 🥲
— TNT (@PhoenxMarble) October 17, 2023
It’s obviously encouraging for Jaguars fans to see Lawrence practicing after his injury. However, it is at least a little concerning that he could potentially be set to play through an injury that could get worse moving forward.
Lawrence spoke to the media after practice on Tuesday, saying that he “will do everything he can” to play on Thursday night.
“I’m gonna do everything I can to be out there.” – @Trevorlawrencee#JAXvsNO | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/0ZVms87mIc
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) October 17, 2023
If Lawrence isn’t able to play on Thursday night, it will likely be veteran quarterback C.J. Beathard who gets the start. Beathard has started in 12 games throughout his six-year NFL career. Of those starts, he hasn’t had much success, going just 2-10 in those games.
