Last Updated: October 18, 2023, 03:00 IST
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Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence “felt a lot better” than he anticipated Tuesday after being identified with a sprained left knee.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.: Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence “felt a lot better” than he anticipated Tuesday after being identified with a sprained left knee.
Lawrence was a restricted participant in observe — backup C.J. Beathard took first-group reps — however was optimistic he would play at New Orleans on Thursday night time.
“I’m going to do everything I can to be out there,” Lawrence mentioned. “I feel a lot better today than I would’ve thought. I like how I’m progressing and I’m going to do everything I can to be out there on Thursday.”
Lawrence mentioned his knee has progressed “really well through the past 24, 48 hours” and added that “I really like where it’s at.”
Lawrence twisted his knee on a sack with roughly three minutes remaining in a 37-20 victory over Indianapolis on Sunday. Coach Doug Pederson has repeatedly defended having Lawrence in the sport with a 14-level late lead and the play name that had Lawrence rolling out on third-and-7 at the Indy 16 behind an offensive line that was with out each beginning guards.
Lawrence faked a handoff and was instantly underneath heavy strain from Samson Ebukam, who blew previous rookie tight finish Brenton Strange. Pederson advised Lawrence ought to have taken a “short sack” as an alternative of attempting to outrun Ebukam, who tackled Lawrence for a 17-yard loss.
Lawrence was sluggish to stand up earlier than hobbling to the bench and into the locker room.
He wore a brace throughout observe Tuesday and mentioned he probably would put on it in New Orleans, assuming he performs. If not, Beathard would make his first begin since the 2020 common-season finale with San Francisco.
“I’ve been here 2 1/2 years with him and he hasn’t missed a single game,” Beathard mentioned. “He’s as tough as they come, and I know he’s doing anything and everything he can to be ready to play. That’s still very likely that he plays this week.”
Offensive coordinator Press Taylor mentioned Jacksonville’s coaching employees would make the last determination on Lawrence’s playing standing.
“As long as Trevor’s in a position where he can’t injure himself or as long as he gives us the best chance to win the game and without risking himself or whatever that may be, then that’s what we continue to do,” Taylor mentioned.
Lawrence has accomplished 67% of his passes for 1,439 yards, with seven touchdowns and three interceptions this season. He has been sacked 16 occasions and is on tempo to shatter his earlier excessive of 32 set in 2021.
Jacksonville’s offensive line might be with out each guards, with Walker Little (knee) and Brandon Scherff (ankle) lacking observe once more Tuesday.
“With any injury, it’s a fine line of how much do you push?” Lawrence mentioned. “I think a little bit is good. That line is always kind of moving, though. You’re trying to do everything you can obviously to play, but then you don’t want to hurt yourself worse, all those things.
“I feel good with where I’m at right now. So we’re just kind of seeing, taking it day by day and seeing how it gets better.”
Lawrence performed via a toe harm final season, however hasn’t missed a sport due to harm since his last season at Clemson in 2020. He sat out a victory towards Boston College due to a neck harm and missed the following week at Notre Dame due to COVID-19 protocols.
“This game is about toughness and, at times, playing through injuries,” Lawrence mentioned. “But also you got to be smart and know the position that we’re in. … There’s a lot of questions that you have to answer. There’s not a right answer to any of them.
“Some guys are more conservative when it comes to injuries and some guys aren’t. Some guys play through more and some guys don’t. So it depends who you are, what you’re comfortable with. The biggest thing is you got to feel confident going out on that field. … You can’t play this game hesitating at all.”
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed – Associated Press)
