NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke called Trevor Lawrence’s injury-filled season “alarming.”
Baalke said Jacksonville needs to do a better job protecting its franchise quarterback and Lawrence needs to do a better job protecting himself.
“Your quarterback has a throwing shoulder injury, a knee injury, an ankle injury and a concussion all in one year? That’s alarming,” Baalke said Thursday. “We got to work to improve that. There’s a lot of things that contribute to that. But we do have to do a better job there.”
Lawrence, the top pick in the 2021 draft, missed the first game of his professional career following a sprained right shoulder sustained in Week 16 at Tampa Bay. Lawrence also missed significant practice time because of other injuries: a sprained left knee in Week 6, a sprained right ankle in Week 13 and a concussion in Week 15.
The injury woes played a part in the worst late-season collapse in franchise history. The Jaguars (9-8) lost five of their final six games and missed the postseason after spending much of the season atop the AFC South.
Lawrence clearly regressed, partly because of injuries. He threw for 4,016 yards, with 21 touchdowns and 14 interceptions — Baalke called it “another learning year.” He also ran for four scores, lost seven fumbles and was sacked a career-high 35 times.
A long-term contract that seemed like a slam dunk before the 2023 season now feels as if it could be at least a year away.
“As far as Trevor and his long-term relationship with this team, there’s no doubt that we’re going to get something done at the appropriate time,” Baalke said.
The Jaguars have more pressing needs, mainly fixing an offensive line that was the team’s biggest issue all season. Second-year center Luke Fortner appeared overmatched. Five-time Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Scherff, 32, looked to be on the downside of his career. Left guard was a revolving door, and left tackle Cam Robinson missed four games because of a…
Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/jaguars-gm-calls-trevor-lawrences-injuries-alarming-and-vows-to-improve-trenches
Author :
Publish date : 2024-01-25 21:54:53
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
