Earlier this week, it was reported that Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was likely to miss his team’s Week 10 matchup against the Vikings today.
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com has confirmed that Lawrence will indeed be sidelined for the Minnesota game, and there is a possibility that the former No. 1 overall pick could miss the remainder of the season.
According to Rapoport, Lawrence is dealing with a significant AC joint sprain in his left (non-throwing) shoulder.
Although the injury is to his non-dominant side, it can still make throwing and even basic activities difficult.
The current plan is for the Clemson product to rest and rehabilitate the injury, but surgery remains a distinct possibility. If he opts for surgery, it would effectively end his season.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports that the 25-year-old quarterback is still exploring his options, one of which could lead to an early conclusion of his 2024 campaign.
If Lawrence is unable to return this season, it may not significantly impact Jacksonville’s immediate prospects.
The Jaguars, sitting at 2-7, have virtually no chance of making the playoffs, so the team will likely be cautious with their star quarterback.
Lawrence, who signed a five-year, $275 million extension in June, is a valuable asset the team would not want to jeopardize.
However, continued losses could increase the likelihood of head coach Doug Pederson and GM Trent Baalke being fired.
While owner Shad Khan expressed his support for both men last month, calling this year’s roster the best in franchise history, the team’s struggles, even with Lawrence, could prompt Khan to consider an organizational overhaul.
In Lawrence’s absence, Mac Jones, acquired in an offseason trade, will step in as the starter.
The former first-round pick of the Patriots, who finished second in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2021, saw his early career hampered by New England’s coaching and schematic decisions in his sophomore season.
With the Patriots holding the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft and looking to rebuild with a new coaching staff and quarterback, Jones was traded to his hometown Jacksonville in exchange for a sixth-round pick.
Now 26 years old, Jones had to fend off C.J. Beathard for the Jaguars’ backup role over the summer.
Beathard, recently re-signed by Jacksonville from the Dolphins’ practice squad following Lawrence’s injury, is now back on the roster.
Jones has only thrown nine passes this season but is in a contract year, giving him a significant opportunity to build momentum in the final stretch.
This late-season audition could potentially help him secure a starting role elsewhere in 2025.
