Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORKJacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) runs onto the field before a regular season NFL football matchup Monday, Dec. 4, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-31 in overtime.

Trevor Lawrence's nightmare may be over far sooner than expected

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Sophie Weller | Last updated Dec 8, 2023 2:40 PM ET

As the Jacksonville Jaguars try to claim a spot in the playoffs, they suffered a major scare during their last game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Walker Little knocked into Trevor Lawrence while his ankle was landed on, and then his leg bent underneath him. He attempted to stand up after the play, but immediately fell to the ground once again, slamming his helmet in frustration.

Jaguars’ QB Trevor Lawrence was helped to the locker room after injuring his ankle on this play: pic.twitter.com/P1uYmgth2w
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 5, 2023

This was everyone's worst nightmare. And it brought into question how much time the franchise quarterback may have to miss.

But on Thursday, ahead of their clash against the Cleveland Browns, they received some good news.

Jaguars head coach Doug Peterson has not ruled Lawrence out for the game, instead listing him as questionable and saying he will be a game-time decision (via NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe).

Lawrence was limited at practice on Thursday, moving around. But, Peterson said he's "optimistic" heading into the weekend.

With a 7-5 record, the Jaguars currently are in the hunt, and would make the playoffs if the season ended today.

With Lawrence back, that spot could be clinched sooner rather than later.

Jaguars place Christian Kirk on IR

While they may be getting Lawrence back soon, the Jaguars will be without a key playmaker for longer. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Jacksonville has placed receiver Christian Kirk on the injured reserve list due to a core injury.

He will be out a minimum of four weeks, with only five weeks remaining in the regular season.

Kirk currently has 57 receptions for 787 yards and three touchdowns across 12 games this season. He leads the team in receiving yards.

Peterson further said that Kirk is expected to need surgery and that can mean a 6-8 week recovery. This puts his return this season into question.

While they have Calvin Ridley, rookie receiver Parker Washington replaced Kirk and finished with six catches for 61 yards and a touchdown.

Let's see if he can keep it up and provide the team with help after losing a top weapon.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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