With Trevor Lawrence‘s fitness for Week 17 uncertain, the Jacksonville Jaguars have hired a notable veteran signal-caller.
The Jaguars are adding journeyman quarterback Matt Barkley to their active roster, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The 2013 fourth-round selection by the Philadelphia Eagles (98th overall) was once a member of the New York Giants practice squad.
With the status of QB Trevor Lawrence up in the air because of a sprained right shoulder, the #Jaguars have signed QB Matt Barkley to the active roster from the #Giants practice squad.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 26, 2023
On Christmas Day, during the Jaguars’ dominating Week 16 road loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lawrence sprained his right shoulder. Whether he plays in Sunday’s crucial Week 17 matchup against the 2-13 Carolina Panthers—football’s poorest team—remains to be seen.
This season, the 2021 first-round selection has had multiple injuries, including a concussion, a high ankle sprain, and a knee injury. Lawrence was declared out of the concussion protocol on Saturday.
Against the Bucs, Lawrence had a difficult game . He completed 17 of 29 pass attempts for 211 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions, and three sacks. In lieu of Lawrence, backup quarterback C.J. Beathard performed better, finishing 11 of 15 pass attempts for 94 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions.
Despite their four-game losing streak, Jacksonville is still in charge of their own fate.
The Jaguars will play the Tennessee Titans. They are rivals in the AFC South and play each other on Sunday.
