As the Jacksonville Jaguars prepare to face off against the Minnesota Vikings, they may be bracing for more than just a challenging matchup. With their sights set on the playoffs, Jacksonville now faces an unexpected roadblock: their star quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, could be sidelined for much longer than originally anticipated.
Head coach Doug Pederson hinted at the uncertainty surrounding Lawrence’s status earlier in the week. Citing lessons learned from last year, Pederson seemed cautious about pushing his quarterback too soon. “What I learned last year is if we know early in the week that he’s not going to play, don’t play him,”Pederson stated, underscoring the importance of allowing Lawrence ample recovery time rather than risking further injury.
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Pederson’s approach isn’t without reason. Last season, Lawrence was forced to play through several painful injuries, leading to a rough finish to an otherwise promising campaign. His absence was felt then, and if reports hold, it could be even more impactful now as Jacksonville fights for a postseason spot.
Adding to the speculation, NFL insider Dianna Russini dropped a bombshell update. According to her, Lawrence is not only out for this weekend’s clash with Minnesota but might miss the rest of the season entirely. “As expected, QB Trevor Lawrence is out today and could miss the rest of the season because of a serious AC joint sprain,” Russini shared on social media. Lawrence is reportedly exploring his options, seeking advice on the best course of action for his recovery.
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This potential season-ending injury could not have come at a worse time. Lawrence, who was the top overall pick in 2021, has been instrumental in Jacksonville’s success this year. His improved ball security has been a significant factor, with just seven turnovers, a marked improvement from his league-high totals in previous seasons. Through 11 games, Lawrence has thrown for 2,004 yards, 11 touchdowns, and six interceptions, completing 61.3% of his passes.
The Jaguars will have to pivot quickly. This weekend, the team plans to turn to Mac Jones, the former first-round pick, who was acquired as a backup earlier in the season. While Jones brings his own experience to the table, stepping in for Lawrence under these circumstances is a tall order.
For Jacksonville, the stakes are high. With Lawrence potentially sidelined for the foreseeable future, the team’s playoff hopes could hang in the balance.
