Jaguars vs. Saints: Trevor Lawrence 'Optimistic' He Can Play Through Knee Injury

If it was up to Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, it sure seems like he would suit up this Thursday night vs. the New Orleans Saints -- knee injury or not.

“I’m going to do everything I can to be out there. I feel a lot better today than I would’ve thought, I like how I’m progressing and I’m going to do everything I can to be out there on Thursday," Lawrence said on Tuesday.

"I can’t answer that question right now, I think when Thursday comes, that’s a question I’m going to have to answer. All of us are going to have to make the best decision not only for myself, but for the team. 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. We’ll go from there, but right now is not the day to do that.”

Lawrence left Sunday's 37-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts with a knee injury after rolling out and taking a sack with just over 3:00 left in the game, but the third-year signal-caller said after the game that he was "feeling OK." ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Monday that it was a knee sprain but ultimately wasn't a serious injury.

Lawrence has started all 42 games of his career since the Jaguars drafted him with the No. 1 overall pick in 2021. The only other notable injury Lawrence has dealt with was a toe injury that briefly knocked him out of the game in last year's Week 13 contest vs. the Detroit Lions.

Lawrence has completed 67.1% of his passes this season for 1,439 yards, with seven touchdowns and three interceptions. Lawrence has also rushed for 147 yards on 33 carries.

Lawrence was limited in Tuesday's practice and could be seen with a brace on his left knee.

“It’s different. It’s something I haven’t had any experience with, so that adds a challenge to it just because you’re not used to it. It’s not like an injury that I’ve had in the past and I’m kind of used to dealing with it," Lawrence said.

"Whether it was something last year or before that, it’s something that’s different. I think with any injury, it’s a fine line of how much you push. I think a little bit is good, so that line is always kind of moving though. It depends on trying to do everything you can to play, but then you don’t want to hurt yourself worse, all those things. I feel good with where I’m at right now, so I’m just taking it day-by-day and seeing how it gets better.”

As for whether or not Lawrence plays, backup quarterback C.J. Beathard said on Tuesday that he believes it is "very likely" Lawrence plays despite Beathard taking most of the first-team snaps in practice.

"I've been here two and a half years with him and he hasn't missed a single game. So he's tough as they come and I know he's doing anything everything he can right now to be ready to play and I mean, that's still you know, very likely that he plays this week," Beathard said.