Trevor Lawrence’s 2024 season has likely come to an abrupt end, leaving Jacksonville Jaguars fans heartbroken. The talented quarterback suffered a devastating injury during a tough matchup against the Houston Texans, where he was struck in the head by linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. This brutal hit occurred as Lawrence was sliding to the ground, and it resulted in him being carted off the field after exhibiting the “fencing response,” a sign often associated with concussions.
Understanding the Injury
The Jaguars officially placed Lawrence on injured reserve on Wednesday, effectively signaling the end of his fourth season in teal and gold. This decision was not just about the concussion; it also stemmed from an ongoing issue with his left shoulder. Reports indicate that Lawrence is expected to undergo surgery for an AC joint injury he sustained earlier in the season, which had already sidelined him for two games against Minnesota and Detroit.
This combination of injuries has led to a frustrating year for Lawrence, who has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled to find consistency. With him now out for at least the next four games, the Jaguars must adjust their strategy moving forward.
Lawrence’s 2024 Season Stats
As we reflect on Lawrence’s performance this season, it’s clear that it hasn’t been his best year. Here are some key statistics from his 2024 campaign:
| CMP-ATT | CMP% | YDS | PASS TDs | INT | SACK | RTG | RUSHES | RUSH YDS | RUSH TDs |
| 172-284 | 60.3 | 2,045 | 11 | 7 | 18 | 85.2 | 26 | 119 | 3 |
Despite completing 60.3% of his passes and throwing for 2,045 yards, Lawrence finished with a disappointing 2-8 record over 10 starts. His passer rating fell below the league average, and his completion percentage dropped to its lowest since his rookie season. This decline has raised questions about his development and the effectiveness of head coach Doug Pederson’s strategies.
Impact of the Injury on the Jaguars
With Lawrence sidelined, the Jaguars are turning to Mac Jones as their starting quarterback. Jones, a former first-round pick, has had a mixed season, throwing for 512 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions in five appearances. The team is now in a precarious position, as they look to maintain competitiveness in the absence of their star quarterback.
It’s worth noting that Lawrence’s injury isn’t just a blow to the team; it also complicates the Jaguars’ future. Currently projected to receive the first overall pick in the upcoming draft, the franchise may be hesitant to rush Lawrence back for a single game if it jeopardizes their draft position.
Contract Details and Future Outlook
Trevor Lawrence signed a lucrative five-year, $275 million contract extension with the Jaguars during the offseason, but this deal doesn’t kick in until the 2025 season. For now, he is earning $37 million this year, but his average annual value (AAV) will soar to $55 million once the new contract begins.
Here are some key details about his contract:
- Years: 5
- Value: $275 million
- AAV: $55 million
Of the total amount, $200 million is guaranteed, with Lawrence having received $142 million at the time of signing. Once his contract takes effect, he will join the ranks of the league’s highest-paid quarterbacks, trailing only Dak Prescott.
Jaguars’ QB Depth Chart
The Jaguars’ quarterback depth chart is now led by Mac Jones, who will need to step up significantly in Lawrence’s absence. The team is also looking at John Rhys Plumlee as a backup option. With Lawrence’s struggles and injuries this season, the organization must now focus on developing its remaining quarterbacks while also evaluating the team’s overall direction.
As the Jaguars navigate the rest of the season without their star QB, many fans are left wondering what the future holds. Will Lawrence return to form next year? Can the Jaguars find success with their current roster? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the team will need to rally together and find a way to push through this challenging period.
In the world of the NFL, injuries can change everything in an instant, and the Jaguars are now faced with the task of overcoming this setback. The passion for the game remains strong, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how this story unfolds.
