Jaguars announce Trevor Lawrence starting vs. Browns despite high ankle sprain on MNF

The Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4) have announced that quarterback Trevor Lawrence will get the start under center in the Week 14 road matchup against the Cleveland Browns (7-5) Sunday.

Trevor Lawrence will start today against the Cleveland Browns.#JAXvsCLE | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/jqRI7kFHi6

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 10, 2023

Lawrence will suit up just six days removed from suffering a right ankle sprain during the 34-31 Week 13 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals (6-6). He sustained the injury after getting his right ankle stepped on by his own offensive lineman while standing in the pocket. Lawrence needed assistance getting to his feet before collapsing back down to the ground. The 24-year-old slammed his helmet in frustration before being helped off the field and taken into the locker room for further examination.

Trevor Lawrence will extend streak of playing games despite injury

Lawrence will extend his streak of never missing a game in high school, college or his three seasons in the NFL. Of course, playing through injuries is nothing new for the 2021 first overall pick. In Week 6 this season, Lawrence sustained a knee injury. He started in Week 7 just four days later.

“We’ve kind of gone through this with him,” head coach Doug Pederson said this week. “We did it last year with the toe and we’ve done it this year with the knee. To me, it just shows his toughness – physical toughness, mental toughness. I believe when your quarterback exudes that, I think it does send a message to the rest of your team in a good way.

“I’m still optimistic, obviously, for this weekend, but the fact that he’s willing and able to put himself out there for his teammates and his team speaks volumes.”

Prior to his exit from the game Monday, Lawrence had completed 22-of-29 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns. In 12 games this season, he has thrown for 3,004 passing yards and scored 18 total touchdowns with seven interceptions. 

“I feel a lot better than I would’ve thought I’d feel,” Lawrence said Wednesday. “I’m very fortunate [and] I’m thankful that it wasn’t a worse injury what I kind of thought it was on the field. I’m just thankful and I appreciate all the people, the thoughts and prayers.

“Thankfully it wasn’t anything serious. That stuff means a lot and it worked. I’m feeling good, so I’m thankful for that.”