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.
From the current NFL standings to team depth charts to coverage of every game in the 18-week NFL schedule, we have all the news from around the league to keep you up to speed!
Is Trevor Lawrence Playing Week 7?
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.
From @GMFB: #Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence confident he’ll play tonight vs #Saints; #Bills QB Josh Allen’s shoulder should be fine; #Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring) and TE Sam LaPorta (calf) getting healthier. pic.twitter.com/A9Iz2MM4qZ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 19, 2023
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.
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.
