Ethermac Exchange-Trevor Lawrence injury updates: Latest on Jaguars QB's status for 'TNF' game vs. Saints

Trevor Lawrence hasn't missed a game yet in his NFL career,Ethermac Exchange and the Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback hopes that his run of 40 consecutive regular-season starts over three-plus years won't come to an end Thursday.

Lawrence has been hampered this week by a knee sprain suffered in the closing minutes of the Jaguars' 37-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. He was listed as limited for Tuesday and Wednesday on Jacksonville's injury report.

Now with a key "Thursday Night Football" matchup against the New Orleans Saints looming, Lawrence looks to be in wait-and-see mode.

Here's the latest on Lawrence's injury status:

Trevor Lawrence injury update

Jaguars coach Doug Pederson told ESPN's Ed Werder that he believes Lawrence will start against the Saints, pending a pregame workout to test the condition of the quarterback's knee.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

Lawrence is officially listed as questionable, but he was optimistic on Tuesday that he would be able to play.

"I’m going to do everything I can to be out there," Lawrence said. "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."

Offensive coordinator Press Taylor said Jacksonville’s training staff would make the final decision on Lawrence’s playing status.

"As long as Trevor’s in a position where he can’t injure himself or as long as he gives us the best chance to win the game and without risking himself or whatever that may be, then that’s what we continue to do," Taylor said.

Who is Jaguars' backup quarterback?

If Lawrence is unable to play, the starting role would likely fall to backup C.J. Beathard, who took first-team reps in practice this week.

Beathard, 29, made 12 starts for the San Francisco 49ers from 2017-20, but he has not played significant snaps for Jacksonville since joining the team in 2021.

The Jaguars on Wednesday signed Nathan Rourke from the practice squad to the active roster to provide additional depth at quarterback.

WANNA BET?How to bet on NFL games in 2023

Jaguars at Saints injury report

The Jaguars' offense has injury issues that extend beyond Lawrence, as wide receiver Zay Jones and left tackle Walker Little each have been ruled out with knee ailments, while offensive guard Brandon Scherff (ankle) is questionable. On defense, cornerback Tyson Campbell (hamstring) and defensive tackle DaVon Hamtilon (back) have been ruled out.

Meanwhile, the Saints will be without starting offensive linemen Ryan Ramczyk (concussion) and James Hurst (ankle) as well as tight end Juwan Johnson (calf). Left guard Andrus Peat will move to left tackle, and Cam Erving will be elevated from the practice squad to play right tackle, ESPN's Ed Werder reported.

Outside linebacker Demario Davis (knee) and safety Tyrann Mathieu (foot) are both questionable.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.