Jaguars' Lawrence 'optimistic' he'll play TNF despite knee injury

Trevor Lawrence is "optimistic" he'll be able to play Thursday against the New Orleans Saints despite his knee injury, the Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback said Tuesday, according to NFL reporter Mia O'Brien.

"I'm gonna do everything I can to be out there," Lawrence said. "I feel a lot better today than I would've thought."

Despite the optimism, Lawrence added that he only expects to make a decision regarding his Week 7 availability Thursday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

He was wearing a brace on his left knee and participated in some individual drills during Tuesday's practice.

QB Trevor Lawrence walking on field for stretch with brace on left knee #Jaguars #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/WkAynn9vsl

- J.P. Shadrick (@jpshadrick) October 17, 2023

Lawrence is considered day-to-day this week after going down with a knee ailment late in Sunday's 37-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts. The 2021 No. 1 pick sustained the injury while being sacked in the final minutes of the fourth quarter with Jacksonville up by two possessions.

"I've been fortunate to not have any serious injuries," said Lawrence, who's yet to miss a game since entering the NFL. "But I pride myself on being a guy who plays; plays through injury, pain, whatever it is."

The 24-year-old has completed 67.1% of his passes for 1,439 yards and seven touchdowns against three interceptions while helping the Jaguars start the season 4-2.

Veteran C.J. Beathard will presumably be Jacksonville's QB1 if Lawrence is unavailable Thursday.

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