Lawrence Explains Why He Refused to Use Cart After Injury
By: Staff Report December 6, 2023

Former Clemson star Trevor Lawrence suffered a right high ankle sprain on Monday night during the Jacksonville Jaguars’ overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

That’s good news, all things considered, as Lawrence’s injury certainly  looked like it could’ve been worse than what it is.

Lawrence went down late in the fourth quarter after his ankle was stepped on by left tackle Walker Little, and Lawrence got awkwardly bent over backward on his right leg. The Jags’ franchise quarterback needed a lot of help to get off the field and to the locker room to get checked out.

Instead of being carried off the field on a cart, Lawrence made the long walk (as best he could) with trainers from the field to the locker room.

On Wednesday, Lawrence met with the media and spoke about his injury, explaining why he didn’t employ the services of a cart – something that he says was his choice.

“We talked about getting a cart, and I was gonna get a cart, and then I’m standing there. I’m already on the sideline at that point, the tunnel is right there. I just wanted to get off the field, get out of there. I didn’t know what was going on with my ankle and I felt like I could get off. I was like, ‘Hey, you’re good. Just don’t bring it out. I’m going in,'” Lawrence said.

“Then once I got in there, I’m like, ‘This is a pretty long walk.’ But I was already there, and they asked again if I wanted a cart and I’m like, ‘No, we’re going to make it the whole way there.’ Didn’t know there was cameras in the tunnel. Of course we have carts. We have everything we need, and I was the one that didn’t choose to take one. So, I guess put that on me. Maybe that was dumb, maybe I should have taken one, whatever. But it’s nothing to do with us not having a cart available. I don’t think that would happen in the National Football League, especially here with the crew that we have.”

The Jags were criticized on social media Monday night after Lawrence hobbled to the locker room and wasn’t taken on a cart, but he backed his team’s medical staff and gave props to them for the job they do.

“We have an amazing medical staff that takes care of us in every way that you can imagine,” Lawrence said. “Anything that we need, they’re always there. They work pretty much around the clock to take care of us. So, we got one of, if not the best in the league.”

Lawrence, who has made 46 straight starts to begin his NFL career, did not practice on Wednesday. However, he was walking at his press conference without a boot on the injured ankle.

The 2021 No. 1 overall pick said he doesn’t know yet if he’ll be able to play Sunday when the Jags (8-4), who currently have a one-game lead in the AFC South, travel to face the Cleveland Browns (7-5) in Week 14.

–Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images 

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