The Jaguars are poised to take on the Panthers without Lawrence, and their aspirations for the AFC title are at a critical juncture.
The Jacksonville Jaguars, with a record of 8-7, are set to face a significant challenge in their upcoming game against the Carolina Panthers (2-13) at EverBank Stadium. This match is crucial for the Jaguars as they aim for a potential AFC South title. However, they will be without their franchise quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, who was ruled out due to a right shoulder sprain sustained in Week 16 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
This marks the first time since selecting Lawrence as the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft that Jacksonville will be forced to play without him. Despite this setback, the game goes on, and backup quarterback C.J. Beathard will step into the role. The Panthers, on the other hand, will be led by their young quarterback, Bryce Young.
Lawrence, who faced challenges during his rookie season in 2021, offered advice to Young, emphasizing the importance of staying the course and maintaining consistency. Despite the absence of Lawrence, the Jaguars aim to stay united as they navigate a four-game losing streak and a must-win situation to end the season.
This game will be the first time the Jaguars play without Lawrence since the final game of the 2020 season, marking his first missed NFL start due to injury. Beathard, who has taken first-team snaps in Lawrence’s absence, will be the starting quarterback.
Jaguars’ head coach Doug Pederson remains focused on factors within the team’s control, emphasizing the need to tackle better on defense, take care of the football, minimize pre-snap penalties, and improve coaching decisions. Left tackle Cam Robinson’s return adds stability to the offensive line, providing support for the struggling offense.
Despite facing injury challenges, the Jaguars are relatively healthy, with Lawrence, wide receiver Zay Jones, and offensive lineman Cam Robinson listed as questionable. On the Panthers’ side, cornerback Troy Hill is ruled out, while four other players, including offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu, outside linebacker Marquis Haynes Sr., cornerback Jaycee Horn, and linebacker Frankie Luvu, are listed as questionable for the game.
