Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK

Report: Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence will start against Browns

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 12/10/23

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence will play on Sunday despite a high ankle sprain.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Lawrence will start against the Cleveland Browns even though he suffered the injury six days ago in a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and didn't return to the game.

Official: Jaguars announced that Trevor Lawrence, who suffered a high ankle sprain six days ago, will start today vs. the Browns.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 10, 2023

It's a surprising development because it appeared the star wouldn't play, as he missed practice on Wednesday. However, he returned to practice on Thursday, and head coach Doug Pederson said he moved well, via ESPN's Michael DiRocco.

According to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, the first overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft has made 46 consecutive starts in three seasons with Jacksonville.

In 12 games this season, Lawrence has completed 67.9 percent of his passes for 3,004 yards, 14 TDs, seven interceptions and a 61.9 QBR, ninth in the NFL. The Jaguars (8-4) are first in the AFC South.

The Jaguars matchup with Cleveland (7-5) is crucial since it could increase the chance they host a wild-card game. The New York Times Simulator notes it will increase from 62 percent to 73 percent if they beat the Browns.

Cleveland is a formidable opponent thanks to its dominant defense. The Browns are tied for 10th in the league in points allowed (20.4), and star defensive end Myles Garret is fifth in the league in sacks (13). Jacksonville's O-line must step up to ensure Lawrence doesn't have to scramble around and put himself at risk.

However, the signal-caller suiting up is huge for the Jaguars and could help them pull off an upset on the road. As of Sunday, oddschecker lists them as 2.5-point underdogs.

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