The AFC playoff race continues to be impacted by big injuries to QBs
The Cleveland Browns know all too well how injuries can impact a season. Despite a lot of key starters being on the Browns injured reserve, the team has persevered and control their own playoff destiny going into Week 14 of the 2023 NFL season.
Little and big things have led to Cleveland’s two-game losing streak including this penalty on center Ethan Pocic.
With the Jacksonville Jaguars coming to town, Browns fans are worried a three-game losing streak could be on the way. Then Monday Night Football, with the Jaguars losing to the Cincinnati Bengals, happened with Trevor Lawrence and others being injured.
Initially, there were fears that Lawrence had a significant injury as he slammed his helmet to the turf and was helped off the field by two trainers. After the game, Lawrence was on crutches and had a walking boot on but was diagnosed with a right ankle sprain.
The severity of the sprain could decide Jacksonville’s starting quarterback’s status against the Browns this week.
Lawrence’s injury was not the only one for the Jaguars, however:
- WR Christian Kirk – Groin – Did not return
- CB Tre Herndon – Concussion – Did not return
- DT Folorunso Fatukasi – Ankle – Did not return
- OL Walker Little – Hamstring – Did not return
- S Andre Cisco – Shoulder – Returned to the game
With a shortened week and having to travel to Cleveland, Jacksonville may choose to play it safe with Lawrence and other injured players. The loss to Cincinnati kept them from claiming the top spot in the AFC but they remain one game up in the AFC South and have the fourth seed in the AFC playoff picture.