In a highly anticipated matchup, Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Pederson revealed that quarterback Trevor Lawrence is expected to start in Thursday night’s game against the New Orleans Saints, pending a pregame workout. Despite a sprained left knee, Lawrence has been showing signs of improvement and has expressed a strong determination to take the field, even if it means wearing a knee brace. On the other side, the Saints face their own challenges with left tackle James Hurst’s ankle injury and right tackle Ryan Ramczyk’s concussion.
Changes in the Starting Lineup
According to a source, the Saints’ Andrus Peat will fill in for James Hurst at left tackle, while Cameron Erving, elevated from the practice squad, will take on the role of right tackle in place of Ryan Ramczyk. Interestingly, Trevor Penning, a 2022 first-round pick who was benched after four starts at left tackle, is not being considered as a potential solution at this time. The coaching staff seems to have more faith in the current lineup rather than experimenting with new options.
Even though Lawrence is officially listed as questionable, he has expressed optimism about his chances of playing against the Saints. In an interview, Lawrence shared that he is “going to do everything I can to be out there on Thursday.” This unwavering determination from the young quarterback reflects his commitment to his team and his desire to compete.
The Backup Plan
While Lawrence remains the Jaguars’ preferred choice, if he is unable to play, C.J. Beathard will step in as the starting quarterback. Beathard, who spent his first three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, has a career record of 2-10 as a starter. The Jaguars have been preparing Beathard for a potential start, with him taking the majority of the first-team reps in practice this week.
Since being selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft, Lawrence has not missed a game in his two-plus seasons with the Jaguars. His reliability and durability have been significant assets for the team. However, his availability against the Saints carries additional weight as it sets the tone for their upcoming games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Francisco 49ers.
Looking Ahead
After their road game against the Saints, the Jaguars will face the Steelers on October 29th before heading into their Week 9 bye. The team will then return for a home game against the 49ers. It is crucial for Lawrence to gauge his readiness and protect his recovery to ensure his availability throughout the season.
Lawrence has displayed immense potential since joining the Jaguars, completing 67.1% of his passes for 1,439 yards and seven touchdowns with only three interceptions this season. In college, he missed only two games in his career at Clemson, both in 2020, due to a neck injury and COVID-19. This track record highlights Lawrence’s resilience and his ability to bounce back from setbacks.
The battle for the quarterback position between Trevor Lawrence and the Saints’ defense adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming game. Lawrence’s determination to play despite his knee injury sets the stage for a thrilling matchup. Whether he takes the field or C.J. Beathard steps in, the Jaguars are ready to face the challenge and continue their journey towards success.
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