JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Following an injury to Trevor Lawrence’s non-throwing shoulder, the Jacksonville Jaguars made the decision to re-sign veteran quarterback C.J. Beathard from the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad. This move comes as an attempt to bolster the team’s quarterback options, especially with Lawrence’s ability to play in question ahead of their upcoming clash against the Minnesota Vikings.

Coach Doug Pederson shared that Lawrence would face limitations in Wednesday’s practice, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his availability for the game. Although Mac Jones continues to serve as the primary backup, the addition of Beathard as the third-string quarterback reflects a strategy to ensure depth at the position. Notably, all three quarterbacks had trained together during the offseason, but Beathard’s need for recovery from a groin injury earlier in preseason led to his release at that time.

Pederson expressed confidence in the team’s quarterback lineup and noted that their aim has always been to have strong options available. “C.J. got hurt there in camp and we had to let him go, but we definitely wanted to at some point get him back here. I think it just strengthens our roster, strengthens that room. Trevor’s sore, obviously, and it gives us assurance,” he remarked.

Lawrence sustained the shoulder injury during the second quarter of the Sunday game against Philadelphia when he chose to go head-first while scrambling. He took a heavy hit from linebacker Zack Baun, prompting concern for his health. The 2021 first overall pick has previously faced various injuries that hampered his performance, including a sprained right shoulder that kept him out of a game for the first time in his career last season. Moreover, he has dealt with a sprained left knee, a sprained right ankle, and a concussion over the past season.

These injuries have arguably contributed to a disappointing finish for the Jaguars in 2022, as they experienced one of the franchise’s worst late-season slumps, losing five out of six games and missing the playoffs after leading the AFC South for a significant time. Despite these challenges, the team secured a substantial five-year, $275 million contract extension for Lawrence in June, placing him among the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history. However, Lawrence now finds himself grappling with a disheartening trend, having lost 12 of his last 14 starts on the field.