In the event of a pregame workout, quarterback Trevor Lawrence is expected to start for the Jacksonville Jaguars against the New Orleans Saints on Thursday night, according to coach Doug Pederson of ESPN’s Ed Werder.
Lawrence’s left sprained knee has reportedly improved, and he is determined to participate even if it means wearing a knee brace.
With James Hurst sidelined due to an ankle injury, Andrus Peat will start at left tackle for the Saints, a source informed Werder. Due to a concussion, Ryan Ramczyk will not be able to play right tackle, so Cameron Erving will be moved up from the practice squad. Trevor Penning, a 2022 first-round pick who was benched on Sunday after making four starts at left tackle, isn’t currently thought to be a viable option.
Officially, Lawrence is rated as dubious. With a positive outlook on playing against the Saints, he said on Tuesday that he was “going to do everything I can to be out there on Thursday.”
This week, C.J. Beathard, who would start for Jacksonville in the event that Lawrence is out, completed the majority of the Jaguars’ first-team reps at practice. Beathard played his first three seasons with the 49ers before joining the Jaguars for his third season. As a starter, he has a career record of 2–10.
Since being chosen with the first pick in the 2021 draft, Lawrence has spent the better part of two seasons with the Jaguars without missing a game.
This week during practice, he was wearing a brace on his left knee. He explained that it was an adjustment and that he wasn’t sure if he would keep it on if he played on Thursday.
The Jaguars (4-2) travel to the Steelers on October 29 following their road game against the Saints, and then they have a bye in Week 9. They play the Niners at home the next week when they are back.
Lawrence only missed two games during his undergraduate career at Clemson, both in 2020 due to a neck injury and COVID-19. This season, he has completed 67.1% of his throws for 1,439 yards and seven touchdowns with three interceptions.
