Game that was: Lawrence “very fortunate”

DETROIT, Mich. – His words mixed disappointment, embarrassment and relief.

The relief mattered a lot for Trevor Lawrence late Sunday afternoon, with Jaguars Head Coach Doug Pederson calling the second-year quarterback “very fortunate” to avoid serious injury late in the first half of 40-14 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.

“I feel better than I thought I would,” Lawrence said.

Lawrence, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, was hit hard by Lions linebacker James Houston on the final play of the first half Sunday. Lawrence lay on the field for an extended time, then returned to the Jaguars’ sideline during a Lions touchdown drive to start the second half.

“He was obviously fine to play in the game and we’ll make sure he’s good moving forward,” Pederson said.

Lawrence, who led the Jaguars’ lone touchdown drive on their first possession after the injury, said he first believed he had injured his knee before feeling pain in his foot.

“Luckily, nothing serious,” Lawrence said. “We’ll have to see how I feel tomorrow. I’m going to be a little sore but thankful it’s not anything serious.”

Lawrence said his extended time in the locker room at halftime and after the half was because doctors and trainers were “just checking everything to make sure I don’t have a serious injury, not going to get myself hurt worse by going out there.

“My team did a good job just checking everything, not rushing me out there,” he said. “I wanted to get out there and play, but they had the ball first, so we had some time. We took our time and checked everything out and everything was good, so nothing serious.”