Trevor Lawrence Injury Update: Will Jaguars QB Suit Up Sunday?

Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars are 3-0 for the first time since 1999, but the franchise quarterback knows the real test arrives this Sunday when the team travels west to face the undefeated San Francisco 49ers. Early-season production Through three weeks Lawrence has completed 63 of 113 passes for 671 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions, good for a 70.3 passer rating and a QBR of 43.1—numbers that place him just outside the league’s top 10 in most major categories. While the raw stats look average, context tells a more encouraging story: Jacksonville leads the NFL in drops, with 32 % of Lawrence’s incompletions blamed on receiver error. A test of patience against the 49ers’ defense First-year head coach Liam Coen has stressed a quick-game approach, asking Lawrence to take what the defense gives him rather than hunting chunk plays. The message will be critical against a 49ers unit that ranks top-five in sacks and pressures. “Patience is critical,” Coen told local reporters, noting that San Francisco disguises coverages better than any opponent Jacksonville has seen so far. Expect a heavy dose of slants, screens and running-back option routes designed to keep star pass rushers Nick Bosa and Drake Jackson from teeing off. Reinforcements on the perimeter Second-year wideout Parker Washington and rookie tight end Arliss Strange flashed in limited snaps last week and should see expanded roles as Jacksonville searches for more reliable hands. Calvin Ridley remains the featured target, but his 6 drops already equal his 2024 total. If Ridley cleans up the concentration issues, Lawrence’s efficiency numbers could spike overnight. Ground game balance Travis Etienne is averaging 4.9 yards per carry and forces defenses to stay honest, yet his 14 touches per game are well below the coaching staff’s stated goal of 20. Look for an uptick in outside-zone and counter concepts to exploit a 49ers front that occasionally over-pursues. Sustainable rushing lanes will give Lawrence the clean pockets he needs to hit play-action shots down the seam. Fantasy football outlook Despite middling fantasy finishes (QB15 on the season), Lawrence is a popular buy-low candidate. The 49ers matchup is daunting, but beginning in Week 5 the Jaguars face a stretch of bottom-half pass defenses (Giants, Titans, Colts). Savvy managers would be wise to stash him before the breakout arrives. Contract year implications This season doubles as an audition for a long-term extension expected to eclipse $55 million per year. Winning high-profile road games against playoff contenders will strengthen Lawrence’s negotiating position and reinforce the narrative that Jacksonville’s Super Bowl window is open right now. What to watch Sunday • Third-down efficiency: Jacksonville is converting just 35 %, while the 49ers defense allows 29 %. • Turnover battle: Lawrence’s four picks came on plays where receivers slipped; footing at Levi’s Stadium could be a storyline. • Red-zone play-calling: Coen’s bunch-set variations freed Christian Kirk for two short TDs last week; will the rookie coach double down or unveil new wrinkles? Bottom line If Trevor Lawrence can pair the patience his coaches preach with the explosive arm talent that made him the No. 1 overall pick, Jacksonville has the blueprint to stun San Francisco and cement its status as a legitimate AFC contender.