Jaguars’ Lawrence exits with reported ankle sprain in OT loss to Bengals

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence suffered a right ankle injury late in the fourth quarter of Monday’s 34-31 overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Lawrence’s initial diagnosis is an ankle sprain, sources told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The star passer will reportedly have an MRI on Tuesday.

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said postgame that the team is still evaluating Lawrence, according to NFL Network’s Andrew Siciliano.

Lawrence sustained the ailment on a third-and-11 play when his ankle was stepped on with the game tied 28-28. The former No. 1 pick slammed his helmet on the field after he was unable to walk off the field on his own. He was then helped to the locker room and went into Jacksonville’s X-ray room.

C.J. Beathard entered the game at quarterback for the Jaguars. The veteran passer, who led a late drive to set up Jacksonville’s game-tying field goal with 40 seconds left in the contest, went 9-for-10 with 63 yards in his relief appearance.

Jacksonville didn’t have a third quarterback as an emergency option in Week 13. Nathan Rourke, who put on a show during the preseason, is currently on the Jaguars’ practice squad and could be activated.

Lawrence completed 22 of 29 pass attempts for 258 yards and two touchdowns before exiting the matchup. The Clemson product has never missed a game due to injury in his entire NFL career. He was drafted in 2021 as one of the most highly touted draft prospects ever.

After a rough rookie campaign, Lawrence set career highs with a 66.3% completion rate, 4,113 yards, and 25 touchdown passes last season. He also led Jacksonville to the team’s first postseason appearance since 2017.

Quarterback injuries have been a big issue around the NFL this season. The Bengals recently lost Joe Burrow to a season-ending wrist injury and started Jake Browning in Week 13 against the Jaguars. Three current AFC playoff teams are likely to start a backup quarterback in Week 14:

*= Expected move

Other quarterbacks who have suffered season-ending injuries this season include Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, and Daniel Jones.