Huge blow: Another Jaguars super star is ruled out of Panthers clash

Beathard, who has yet to start a game since joining the Jaguars in 2021, will step in to replace Trevor Lawrence for the upcoming New Year’s Eve game against the Carolina Panthers. Lawrence has been ruled out due to a shoulder injury sustained in the Jaguars’ recent defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, marking the team’s fourth consecutive loss.

This game absence for Lawrence marks the first time he will miss a game since being drafted as the first overall pick in 2021, ending a streak of 49 consecutive starts. With Lawrence sidelined, the responsibility falls to Beathard to lead the Jaguars’ offense against the Panthers.

Beathard had previously been part of the San Francisco 49ers and held a 2-10 record during his four-season tenure with the team.

Throughout this season, Lawrence has grappled with several injuries, leading to increased practice opportunities for Beathard as he filled in. Beathard expressed his readiness and the value of practicing alongside the team due to Lawrence’s ongoing physical struggles.

During the recent loss to Tampa Bay, the 30-year-old Beathard took over for Lawrence and performed well, completing 11 of 15 passes for 94 yards and securing a touchdown.

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson acknowledged Beathard’s preparedness, indicating that while Lawrence was sidelined due to health reasons, Beathard was primed to step in and contribute effectively to the team.

In the midst of a four-game losing streak, Jacksonville remains in the playoff race and could secure the AFC South divisional title if they win while both Indianapolis and Houston suffer losses this Sunday.

A win in their remaining games, especially the final match against the Tennessee Titans, would solidify the Jaguars’ spot in the playoffs.