The Jacksonville Jaguars are facing uncertainty at the quarterback position as their star player, Trevor Lawrence, has suffered a sprained right AC joint. This leaves his availability for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers in question. Coach Doug Pederson remains hopeful but admits that Lawrence’s participation in Wednesday’s practice remains uncertain. In the event that Lawrence is unable to practice, backup quarterback C.J. Beathard would once again take the first-team reps. The team is closely monitoring Lawrence’s progress and will make a decision based on his recovery.
To safeguard against any potential setbacks, the Jaguars have added Matt Barkley to their roster. Barkley was signed off the New York Giants’ practice squad, where he had not seen any game action since 2020. Despite some previous starting experience with the Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills, Barkley holds a record of 2-5 as a starter. Throughout his career, he has played in 19 games, throwing 11 touchdown passes and 22 interceptions since being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013. However, it is worth noting that Barkley brings depth to the team and can step in if needed.
Trevor Lawrence’s Injury and Game Impact
The injury occurred during the Jaguars’ recent 30-12 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the third quarter, Lawrence stretched and dove for a first down on the sideline on a crucial fourth-and-1 play. Unfortunately, he was shoved by a Bucs linebacker, causing him to land on his right shoulder out of bounds. Lawrence remained in the game to finish the drive, displaying his determination and commitment to his team. However, he soon realized that his ability to throw was compromised due to the pain in his shoulder. Understanding the potential risks and limitations, Lawrence agreed with the team’s decision to take him out for the remainder of the game.
With Lawrence’s status uncertain, C.J. Beathard would be the next man up if the star quarterback is unable to play. Beathard stepped in during the Buccaneers game and showcased his skills, completing 11-of-15 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown. Despite not having started a game since the 2020 regular-season finale with the San Francisco 49ers, Beathard holds a 2-10 record as a starter. While the team would undoubtedly prefer Lawrence leading the offense, they have confidence in Beathard’s abilities to lead the team if required.
Lawrence’s Performance and Areas of Improvement
Before sustaining the injury, Trevor Lawrence had completed 18 of 30 passes for 213 yards and one touchdown against the Bucs. However, he also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble, bringing his turnover count to three for the game. This further adds to his career tally of eight games with three or more turnovers, which is the highest among any player since his entrance into the NFL in 2021. Lawrence’s turnovers highlight an area of concern that he and the team must address moving forward. Limiting turnovers is crucial for the Jaguars’ success and Lawrence’s development as a young quarterback.
Trevor Lawrence’s sprained right AC joint not only raises questions about his availability for Sunday’s game against the Panthers but also highlights the team’s preparedness with the addition of Matt Barkley. The Jaguars will closely monitor Lawrence’s recovery and make a decision regarding his playing status accordingly. Beathard stands ready to step in and lead the team if needed. Furthermore, Lawrence’s turnovers indicate an important area for improvement as he continues to grow and establish himself in the NFL. Overall, the Jaguars face a challenging situation but remain optimistic about their options and the progress of their star quarterback’s recovery.
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