The Jaguars dominated the Colts in all facets of the game in a commanding 37-20 win on Sunday. But they might have sustained a bigger loss near the end of the contest.
Franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence left the game late in the fourth quarter for the Jaguars, and was listed near the end of the contest as questionable with a knee injury.
Lawrence had a solid outing in the win against Indianapolis, completing 20 of 30 passes for 181 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He also rushed three times for 15 yards.
The injury happened on the team's second-to-last drive, when he was sacked by Samson Ebukam. He did not return for the final drive, which involved three kneel-downs by backup C.J. Beathard.
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Here's the latest on Lawrence's injury.
How long is Trevor Lawrence out?
There is still some uncertainty as to the severity of Lawrence's injury. Following the game, coach Doug Pederson was asked about his status, and said simply that he did not have an update at the time.
Video footage of Lawrence after the game was encouraging that at least Jacksonville had dodged a severe injury. He could be seen walking to the locker room only with a slight limp in his step.
Trevor Lawrence walks into the locker room with Press Taylor
— Mia O'Brien (@MiaOBrienTV) October 15, 2023
(See: earlier tweet…. He must’ve made a bee line for him) #Jaguars | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/WKjafnXYM8
The Jaguars have a quick turnaround for Lawrence to recover. Jacksonville heads to New Orleans for a "Thursday Night Football" clash against the Saints, giving Lawrence only three days off before he has to play his next game.
Lawrence told reporters he felt "discomfort" in his knee and there was some bruising, but he wasn't sure if he twisted it. He said he would have further exams Sunday evening.
Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence says he feels OK. Will get left knee checked out tonight. Said he didn’t want to speculate about Thursday night’s game at New Orleans.
— Michael DiRocco (@ESPNdirocco) October 15, 2023
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NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Monday morning that Lawrence is considered day-to-day and the belief is he has "no major injury" but his status for Thursday remains unclear.
#Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence has an MRI on his knee, but he's currently described as day-to-day, source said. The belief is no major injury for Lawrence, who finished the game. It's a quick turnaround for Thursday, but the hope is he's OK for it.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 16, 2023
For his part, Pederson stuck with his day-to-day mantra during his Monday news conference, but plenty of uncertainty remains about the QB's Week 7 status. Jacksonville had only a walk-through practice but its league-mandated injury report estimated Lawrence would have not practiced if it was a regular session.
ESPN's Adam Schefter cited a source saying Lawrence's injury "is not a significant thing" but the Jaguars will determine his availability this week over the next couple of days.
Lawrence was on the practice field Tuesday, sporting a brace on his left knee and doing limited work.
Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence with a brace on his left knee at Tuesday’s practice. He participated at times during individual drills during open media portion of practice. He’s scheduled to speak at 3:30 pm ET. pic.twitter.com/v10nrHDUY3
— Michael DiRocco (@ESPNdirocco) October 17, 2023
Afterward, he told reporters: "I feel a lot better today than I would've thought, so I like how I'm progressing and I'm going to do everything I can to be out there on Thursday."
Thursday morning, Schefter reported Lawrence "could easily" be a game-time decision, so the uncertainty could last almost all the way up until kickoff.
Jaguars QB depth chart
- Trevor Lawrence
- C.J. Beathard
- Nathan Rourke (practice squad)
Should Lawrence have to miss Thursday night's game, Beathard would be the starter against the Saints.
Beathard has appeared in eight games for the Jaguars, and has completed 11-of-15 passes for 77 yards and an interception in those games, spanning three years. He had previously appeared in 19 games (12 starts) for the 49ers, with whom he went 291-for-497 with 3,469 yards with 18 touchdowns and 13 picks.
Jacksonville also has 25-year-old Nathan Rourke, who spent the last two seasons with the CFL's BC Lions in the mix. He has been on the Jaguars' practice squad but is being elevated to the 53-man roster ahead of Week 7 as insurance, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
