USA Today via Reuters
Dec 4, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) reacts after an injury in the fourth quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 4, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) reacts after an injury in the fourth quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
The league is littered with injuries as the regular season makes its way into its final few weeks. The highlight of this week’s injuries has been Trevor Lawrence, who has been the main offensive weapon of the 8-4 Jacksonville Jaguars. Will he return on Sunday Night Football for the game against the Cleveland Browns?
Apart from Lawrence, other key injuries and their status on the day of the game will decide the course for their respective teams. Jesse Morse, MD, and Ian Rapoport took to X to share an update on which players they think will play on Game Day and which players will, unfortunately, have to watch from the sidelines.
Update for Jags fans regarding QB Trevor Lawrence
Senior NFL Insider, Ian Rapoport, reported that head coach Doug Pederson will let Trevor Lawrence play against the Browns depending on how the final practice sessions work out on Friday. Most probably, the decision will come just a few hours before the game, keeping Jaguars fans on their toes as to the playing status of their QB.
#Jaguars coach Doug Pederson tells reporters that QB Trevor Lawrence's game status will be determined by how practice goes today and answered "probably so" when asked if he'll be a game-time decision. On a short week, Lawrence is dealing with a high-ankle sprain.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 8, 2023
In what comes as a good sign, Lawrence was seen doing drills and throwing the ball during Thursday’s practice session. After he suffered a high ankle injury during his previous game, X-ray reports came negative, giving fans hope. However, even if he is cleared for action on Sunday, he will not be able to bring his A-game, as the injury would not have healed 100% by then.
Four other players are also cause for anxiety among fans as listed by Dr Morse.
Which other players are doubtful to return on Game Day?
Amari Cooper, who plays wide receiver for the Browns, has been suffering with injuries for most of this year. Despite that, he has powered through and has not missed even a single game. But thanks to those injuries, he hasn’t been able to perform at his best, recording only 84 total yards in his previous three games.
Players that WILL play in Week 14: #NFL
Justin Jefferson
Breece Hall
Dallas Goedert
Travis Etienne
Derrick Henry
Odell Beckham Jr.
D’Andre Swift
Lamar Jackson
Puka Nacua
Rashod BatemanPlayers that we don’t know:
Trevor Lawrence (likely ✅)
Derek Carr
DTR
Kenneth…— Jesse Morse, MD (@DrJesseMorse) December 8, 2023
The Kansas City Chiefs will also be missing out on a key offensive player when they take on the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Running back, Isiah Pacheco suffered an injury during the game at Lambeau Field and had to miss two consecutive practice sessions. Houston Texans’ TE, Dalton Schultz, returned to limited practice on Wednesday following a hamstring injury and is likely to see action on Game Day.
Hayden Hurst, the Carolina Panthers’ TE, has been ruled out indefinitely for the season after he suffered a brutal blow which resulted in him being diagnosed with Post Traumatic Amnesia. Players and fans around the NFL world joined in praying for the TE, who some believe will have to move on from football entirely after this diagnosis. Only time will tell if that will be the case.
