Title: A Setsback for Trevor Lawrence in NFL's Overtime Showdown
The Jacksonville Jaguars endured a heart-wrenching overtime defeat against the Cincinnati Bengals, with star quarterback Trevor Lawrence suffering a potentially serious injury that left a sour taste in their mouths. Meanwhile, Jake Browning, filling in for the Bengals' injured Joe Burrow, claimed his first career NFL victory, leaving the Jaguars to ponder their misfortune.
Trevor Lawrence's night took a tragic turn during the 31-34 overtime defeat, as left tackle Walker Little accidentally stepped on his ankle during a play, causing a gruesome twisting of his leg. Lawrence bravely attempted to stand but crumbled to his knees, banging his helmet on the ground in frustration. He managed to leave the field, requiring the support of his coaches to do so.
Despite the Jaguars' setback, the Bengals emerged victorious, securing their sixth win of the season and keeping their playoff aspirations alive after overcoming three consecutive defeats. The Jaguars, meanwhile, failed to gain ground in the AFC South standings, falling short in their quest to separate themselves from the pack.
Prior to his injury, Lawrence had an impressive performance, completing two touchdown passes and even scoring one himself. He completed a remarkable 71.03% of his throws, missing just 7 out of his 29 attempts. However, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Lawrence had at least sprained his ankle, and further tests would reveal the full extent of the damage. Coach Doug Pederson chose to remain tight-lipped regarding Lawrence's status post-game.
In Lawrence's absence, backup quarterback C.J. Beathard stepped up, guiding the Jaguars into field goal range just before the end of regulation time. However, the spotlight shone brightly on Jake Browning, who was making his second consecutive start for the Bengals in place of the injured Joe Burrow.
Browning's tenure as the Bengals' starting quarterback proved to be a success, seeing him lead his team to an overtime victory, marking his first win in the NFL. He expressed feelings of satisfaction and relief, acknowledging the long journey that had led him to this achievement. "It feels good," Browning shared on ESPN. "Definitely had to earn it. Even going into overtime, it's been a while since I've won a game. Just the additional week of experience made a big difference."
Additional Insights
While the official reports did not specify a foot injury, sources indicate that Trevor Lawrence's injury history included a shoulder issue and a concussion. He underwent surgery to repair the AC joint in his left shoulder and is expected to make a recovery in time for the 2025 season, though he may still require additional time to build strength and regain range of motion.[1][3][5] Lawrence also dealt with a severe concussion after facing the Houston Texans, postponing his surgery.[4][5]
[1] NFL.com, Trevor Lawrence injury update: How long will Jaguars QB be out? (November 22, 2024) [2] CBS Sports, Trevor Lawrence injury: What we know about Jacksonville Jaguars QB's shoulder problem (November 21, 2024) [3] ESPN, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence to have shoulder surgery (November 20, 2024) [4] USA Today, Trevor Lawrence concussion: Jaguars QB sidelined due to head injury (November 18, 2024) [5] Pro Football Talk, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence status unclear (November 17, 2024)
