Jaguars Quarterback Trevor Lawrence. (Photo Credit: Corey Perrine/ Florida Times-Unio / USA TODAY NETWORK)
In Monday night’s intense clash with the Cincinnati Bengals, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence faced a setback, suffering a right ankle injury late in the fourth quarter of their 34-31 overtime loss.
Injury Details and Initial Assessments
Initial assessments, reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter from an inside source, indicate a sprained ankle for Lawrence. He is set to undergo additional testing to gauge the full extent of the injury and the potential duration of his absence.
The injury occurred when left tackle Walker Little was pushed backward, inadvertently stepping on Lawrence’s ankle. Lawrence, in the process of falling to the ground, saw his ankle caught underneath him. In frustration, he attempted to rise, only to go down to his knees, slamming his helmet on the ground. Medical personnel assisted him off the field, requiring support under each arm as he headed towards the Jaguars’ locker room and X-ray area.
After the game, Jaguars coach Doug Pederson lacked an immediate update on Lawrence’s condition. The quarterback, relying on crutches in the locker room, was unavailable for media interaction.
C.J. Beathard’s Stand-In Performance
If Lawrence is sidelined, the Jaguars turn to backup C.J. Beathard, who stepped in for Lawrence with 2:28 remaining in the fourth quarter. Despite limited prior action with the Jaguars, Beathard showcased resilience, completing 9 of 10 passes for 63 yards. He led a crucial drive, culminating in a score-tying field goal that forced overtime.
“We’ll see where Trevor’s at first, but we’ve got 100% confidence in C.J.,” Pederson said. “He’s a veteran player. He’s played a lot of football, and if he happens to be the guy then we’ll get behind him and support him.”
Looking ahead to next Sunday’s game against Cleveland, Beathard could make his first start since Week 16 of the 2020 season with San Francisco.
“Trevor’s my best friend on the team and when you see him go down like that [it’s tough],” Beathard said. “I’ve been here three years and he’s battled through all types of injuries, little things here and there, and to see him have to get carried off the field, it hurts.”
Beathard said Lawrence was “in good spirits” in the locker room after the game and added, “Obviously he’s sore right now.”
Lawrence’s Impressive Start Streak and Injury History
This marks the second time this season Lawrence has exited a game due to injury. Despite a Week 3 left knee sprain, he started every game, leading Jacksonville to victory against New Orleans.
Lawrence drafted No. 1 in 2021, boasts an impressive 46-game start streak, tying for the third-longest active streak among quarterbacks. Buffalo’s Josh Allen (83) and the Chargers’ Justin Herbert (61) have longer streaks, tying Lawrence with Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes.
Additional Injuries in Monday Night’s Game
Monday night’s game saw a total of five Jaguars players leaving the field with injuries. Nickelback Tre Herndon underwent concussion evaluation after the second play and was ruled out later.
Christian Kirk suffered a groin injury on the first offensive snap after a significant catch, needing assistance off the field. Andre Cisco (shoulder), Folorunso Fatukasi (ankle), and Walker Little (hamstring) also faced injuries, with only Cisco returning to the game.
Pederson said he would have updates on their conditions on Tuesday.
“It’s full steam ahead,” Pederson said. “We’ve got to get the guys that are hurt treated and we’ve got to get the next guy ready to go.”
