Trevor Lawrence anticipates playing Week 7 against the Saints

In Week 7, the Jaguars' QB Trevor Lawrence is expected to play despite a slight knee injury, aiming to continue their winning streak against the Saints.

Tonight, the highly anticipated Week 7 matchup of the 2023 NFL season will commence as the New Orleans Saints play host to the Jacksonville Jaguars. As we dive into the details of this game, it's important to note that both teams have had contrasting paths leading up to this point.

The Saints, currently holding a 3-3 record, have had their fair share of ups and downs in the first six games of the season. Last week, they suffered a defeat at the hands of the Houston Texans, leaving them eager to bounce back and secure a victory in front of their home crowd.

On the other hand, the Jaguars come into this game riding a three-game winning streak. Their latest triumph came against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 6, showcasing their ability to perform at a high level. However, as they prepare for tonight's game, the Jags find themselves facing some significant challenges in the form of key injuries.

One injury, in particular, looms large over the Jaguars' hopes for success - that of their star quarterback, Trevor Lawrence. In the closing stages of Week 6, Lawrence endured a sack that resulted in a minor knee injury. Fortunately, initial reports provided a glimmer of hope, indicating that the injury was not severe. This news brought immense relief to Lawrence's coaches, teammates, and the entire fan base.

With limited practice time leading up to tonight's game, the question of Lawrence's availability was up in the air. However, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the talented young quarterback is expected to take the field tonight, barring any unforeseen setbacks. This news comes as a sigh of relief for the Jaguars, as Lawrence has never missed a start in his three seasons with the team, boasting an impressive streak of 40 consecutive games played.

During practice this week, Lawrence's participation was limited, and backup QB C.J. Beathard took on the majority of first-team reps. However, this cautious approach shouldn't be mistaken as a sign that Lawrence won't play. Rather, it reflects the team's desire to prioritize the long-term health and well-being of their franchise quarterback, especially considering the condensed practice schedule.

As the Jaguars gear up to face the Saints in Week 7, they are well aware of the challenge that lies ahead. New Orleans possesses one of the most formidable defenses in the league, having allowed their opponents to score 20 or more points in just two of their six games this season. While the Saints' offense has been inconsistent, their defense has consistently kept them in contention.

For the Jaguars to secure a victory on the road, their offense will need to be firing on all cylinders. The team understands the importance of ensuring Lawrence's comfort and minimizing any potential pain before he takes the field. The chemistry and momentum they have built during their three-game winning streak would undoubtedly suffer a blow if Lawrence were to reinjure his knee.

All signs point to Lawrence suiting up for Week 7, barring any significant setbacks. The Jaguars are counting on their franchise quarterback to lead them to victory against the Saints, as they aim to extend their winning streak and continue their upward trajectory. The stage is set for an exciting and competitive showdown between these two teams, and football fans can look forward to an exhilarating game under the Thursday night lights.