Trevor Lawrence injury: Updates on Jaguars QB's status for Thursday night game vs. Saints

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence officially enters tonight's Thursday Night Football matchup against the New Orleans Saints as questionable due to a knee injury suffered late against the Indianapolis Colts last week.

Throughout the week, there was growing optimism that Lawrence would suit up to play despite sporting a brace on his left knee throughout the week and lightly participating in an already light week of practice.

Lawrence did not take most of the first-team reps throughout the week due to the injury. Instead, backup QB C.J. Beathard was responsible for the reps. Still, Lawrence remained optimistic that he would be able to suit up.

"I really like how I’ve progressed every day and it’s been really good. I’m optimistic, but of course we’re going to have to make that decision Thursday," Lawrence said earlier this week.

Trevor Lawrence status update: Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence active, will start vs. Saints despite knee injury

The latest, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter Thursday morning, Lawrence is trending toward being a game-time decision tonight. The Jaguars will work Lawrence out in pre-game and determine whether or not he can play against the Saints due to a knee sprain, said Schefter.

If Lawrence cannot suit up, backup QB C.J. Beathard will take his place in the starting lineup.

What you need to know: If Trevor Lawrence can't play for the Jaguars, here's what to know about backup C.J. Beathard

Trevor Lawrence status update: QB will start for Jaguars vs. Saints

Trevor Lawrence will start after warming up inside the Superdome with a knee brace. See videos below.

Jaguars backup QB CJ Beathard ready to play if Lawrence can't

A backup with the Jaguars since 2021, Beathard will be ready if his number is called, he said earlier this week.

"I'm very comfortable," Beathard said Tuesday. "I mean, it's my seventh year in the league, I've started a handful of games and I got a real good feel with the group of guys and everything, the plays."

Beathard's last start came during the 2020 season in a Week 17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Beathard completed 25-of-37 passes for 273 yards and one touchdown in a loss.

The backup QB was optimistic that Lawrence would play, though, praising the third-year QB for his toughness.

"He's as tough as they come and I know he's doing anything and everything he can right now to be ready to play and that's still very likely that he plays this week," he added.

The Jaguars have three quarterbacks on their active roster after signing rookie QB Nathan Rourke to the team's active roster on Wednesday. If Lawrence plays, it is likely the Jaguars use Rourke as a third, emergency QB tonight.

Nathan Rourke: What Jaguars fans should know about the team's third-team QB from Canada

That means, Rourke can only get into the game if both Lawrence and Beathard are ruled out due to injury. If Rourke does play, neither Lawrence nor Beathard will be eligible to return to the contest.

Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on X,  formerly known as Twitter, at @Demetrius82.

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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Is Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence playing tonight against New Orleans?