Due to a shoulder injury, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence will not play against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, the organization announced on Friday.
The injury was sustained by Lawrence during the Jaguars’ fourth consecutive loss, a setback to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Thursday.
Lawrence will miss his first game since being selected with the first overall choice in 2021 on New Year’s Eve, capping a 49-game streak of straight starts.
Lawrence will be replaced by C.J. Beathard, who hasn’t started a game since joining the Jags in 2021.
Beathard spent his first four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, where he finished with a 2-10 record.
Beathard has had more practice opportunities because of Lawrence’s struggles with multiple injuries this season, even though he has persevered through them.
“For the past few weeks, Trevor has been injured. Over the past several weeks, I’ve been able to work with those guys and gain some reps, which has been excellent. Without a doubt, we’ll build on that,” Beathard remarked.
During the Tampa Bay loss, the 30-year-old replaced Lawrence in the passing game and completed 11 of 15 throws for 94 yards and a touchdown.
Before Lawrence was declared out, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said, “He’s ready to go at a moment’s notice.”
“He filled in last week and helped us win the game at the end. It’s a difficult choice, but there are instances when I have to make it in light of Trevor’s condition and our team’s standing,” he remarked.
Jacksonville is still in the running for the AFC South divisional title on Sunday if they win and both Indianapolis and Houston lose, despite their current four-game losing streak.
If the Jaguars win their next two games—they play the Tennessee Titans in their last game—they will guarantee a spot in the postseason.
