As Rapoport particulars, Lawrence has a big AC joint sprain. The ailment is to his left (non-throwing) shoulder, although it may make throwing, and even primary functioning, tough. Whereas the present plan is for the Clemson product to easily relaxation and rehab the damage, surgical procedure stays a definite chance.
Such a choice would naturally pressure Lawrence to overlook the stability of the 2024 marketing campaign. Dianna Russini of The Athletic studies that the 25-year-old passer remains to be gathering details about his choices, one in every of which features a untimely finish to his season.
If Lawrence is unable to go well with up once more in 2024, it could possible not have an excessive amount of of an influence on Jacksonville’s instant fortunes. The two-7 outfit has virtually no likelihood of qualifying for the playoffs, and the Jags will subsequently need to be additional cautious with their high-priced signal-caller, who signed a five-year, $275M extension in June.
Nevertheless, ought to the losses proceed to pile up, it turns into much more possible that head coach Doug Pederson and GM Trent Baalke shall be fired. Proprietor Shad Khan voiced his assist for each males final month, however Khan additionally known as this yr’s roster the perfect in franchise historical past, and because the membership has struggled even with its QB1 within the lineup, it could not be a shock if Khan opted for an organizational overhaul.
Mac Jones, an offseason commerce acquisition, will get the decision in Lawrence’s absence. The previous first-round choose of the Patriots, who completed second in Offensive Rookie of the 12 months voting in 2021, noticed the early phases of his profession undermined by New England’s teaching and schematic maneuvers the next season. With the Pats holding the No. 3 general choose on this yr’s draft and wanting to begin afresh with a brand new teaching regime and a brand new quarterback, Jones was dealt to his native Jacksonville in change for a sixth-round choose.
Now 26, Jones did have to carry off C.J. Beathard for the Jags’ backup gig over the summer time (Beathard is now again on the group after Jacksonville not too long ago signed him from the Dolphins’ taxi squad within the wake of Lawrence’s damage). Jones has thrown simply 9 passes this season, however he’s in a contract yr, and he might have an actual likelihood to construct some momentum down the stretch as he tries to place himself for not less than a shot at a beginning gig someplace in 2025.