Tag: Lawrence

49ers’ Christian McCaffrey, 4 QBs finalists for MVP award

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Reigning NFL Most Valuable Player Josh Allen, fellow quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence, Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford, and San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey are the finalists for The Associated Press 2025 MVP award.

They were announced Thursday, as were the finalists for seven other season-ending AP awards that will be handed out Feb. 5 in San Francisco at the annual NFL Honors ceremony. That night, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 also will be presented, and the new Protector of the Year Award to honor the league’s best offensive lineman in 2025 will be given out.

McCaffrey also is a finalist for Offensive Player of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year, making him the first player in the running in three categories in the same season. Maye and Lawrence each are finalists for two awards.

All five MVP candidates led their teams to the postseason, with Maye and his New England Patriots and Stafford and his Los Angeles Rams to play in conference championship games on Sunday.

In the Coach of the Year category, the list includes three coaches in their debut season with their teams — two of them first-year head coaches.

The finalists:

Most Valuable Player
Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots
Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams

Coach of the Year
Liam Coen, Jacksonville Jaguars
Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears
Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks
Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers
Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots

Assistant Coach of the Year
Vic Fangio, Philadelphia Eagles
Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings
Vance Joseph, Denver Broncos
Klint Kubiak, Seattle Seahawks
Josh McDaniels, New England Patriots

Comeback Player of the Year
Stefon Diggs, WR, New England Patriots
Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys

Defensive Player of the Year
Will Anderson Jr., DE, Houston Texans
Nik Bonitto, LB, Denver Broncos
Myles Garrett, DE, Cleveland Browns
Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions
Micah Parsons, DL, Green Bay Packers

Offensive Player of the Year
Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots
Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks

Defensive Rookie of the Year
Abdul Carter, LB, New York Giants
Nick Emmanwori, S, Seattle Seahawks
James Pearce Jr., DE, Atlanta Falcons
Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns
Xavier Watts, S, Atlanta Falcons

Offensive Rookie of the Year
Jaxson Dart, QB, New York Giants
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, New England Patriots
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers
Tyler Shough, QB, New Orleans Saints

–Field Level Media

Giants DE Kayvon Thibodeaux (shoulder) out vs. Patriots

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux will miss his straight game with a shoulder injury that has sidelined him since Nov. 9, interim head coach Mike Kafka said Saturday.

Thibodeaux was injured in a 24-20 loss to the Chicago Bears on Nov. 9 and didn’t practice last week leading up to New York’s 34-27 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions last Sunday. He also did not participate in practice this week.

Thibodeaux, 24, is in his fourth season with the Giants after being drafted with the fifth overall pick out of Oregon in 2022. In 10 games (all starts) this season, he has 25 tackles, 2 1/2 sacks and five tackles for a loss.

“I think it’s too soon to tell,” Kafka said, when asked if the injury would shut Thibodeaux down for the year. “I think he’s working his tail off to get back and get better and our doctors are taking care of him.”

Defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence (elbow), who has also yet to practice this week, remains in question for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots.

Lawrence, 28, has registered a half a sack and 24 tackles in 12 games this season.

–Field Level Media

Sep 8, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) lies on Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) after a sack during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Reports: DeMarcus Lawrence leaves Cowboys for Seahawks

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Seattle Seahawks reeled in veteran defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence on Wednesday with a three-year deal worth a reported $42 million.

The deal for the longtime Dallas Cowboys standout includes $18 million guaranteed.

Seattle’s defensive coordinator is Aden Durde, Dallas’ defensive line coach from 2021-23.

The four-time Pro Bowler has 61.5 sacks in 11 seasons, all with the Cowboys.

Lawrence, who turns 33 next month, was limited to four games last season due to a sprained right foot. He had 14 tackles and three sacks.

The 6-foot-3, 265-pound lineman had 25 sacks across a two-season period earlier in his career — 14.5 in 2017 and 10.5 in 2018. He was an All-Pro second-team choice in 2017.

Lawrence has 450 tackles, including 97 for losses, in 141 regular-season games (123 starts). He has compiled 21 forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries and two interceptions.

A former college star at Boise State, Lawrence was a second-round pick by the Cowboys in 2014.

–Field Level Media

New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) runs out of the tunnel prior to the start of the game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.

Giants DT Dexter Lawrence placed on IR

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New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence was placed on injured reserve Monday with an elbow injury labeled “long term” by head coach Brian Daboll.

Lawrence, a two-time Pro Bowl selection who had a career-high 9.0 sacks and 16 quarterback hits in 2024, is certain not to play in December with NFL rules on IR requiring players to miss four games.

“Obviously, he is our rock in the middle there,” Giants linebacker Micah McFadden said Monday. “Not only on the field, but he’s our captain and our leader off the field. He’s a voice within our locker room and especially on the defensive side of the ball. It’s a big blow to us.”

Lawrence left Thursday’s 27-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the second half and didn’t return.

The third of five captains at the beginning of the season to be out the picture, Lawrence joins left tackle Andrew Thomas on IR. Quarterback Daniel Jones was released on Nov. 23.

“As a big guy inside he calls for a lot of attention, so that’s a big loss for us,” outside linebacker Brian Burns said. “But, more importantly, I’m worried about his well-being.”

Lawrence said he dislocated his elbow in the third quarter and was one of three Giants defensive linemen injured on Thanksgiving Day against the Cowboys. Daboll said after the loss at Dallas he would have an update on Rakeem Nunez-Roches (stinger) and D.J. Davidson (shoulder) later this week.

The Giants (2-10) also placed tight end Theo Johnson on IR and signed Cory Durden off the Los Angeles Rams’ practice squad on Monday but could have additional roster spots to fill before facing the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

–Field Level Media

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) walks on the sideline during the fourth quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Vikings defeated the Jaguars 12-7. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence returns from shoulder injury

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Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is back after missing two games with a left shoulder injury.

Head coach Doug Pederson confirmed Friday that Lawrence will be the QB1 Sunday when Jacksonville welcomes the Houston Texans. Lawrence cleared tests this week with practice workouts that began Monday following the team’s bye last week.

Lawrence described his physical status as “feeling better” but earlier in the week said surgery remains an option at some point.

The Jaguars (2-9) host the AFC South-leading Texans (7-5) at EverBank Stadium in a rematch of Jacksonville’s Week 4 loss at Houston.

“That’s what I want. I want to be back on the field playing with my teammates and that’s the plan,” Lawrence said Wednesday.

Lawrence, 25, said a shoulder operation is “definitely something I’m considering and not off the table at all.”

“It has been pretty a difficult thing to gauge what’s the best path forward,” he said. “Hopefully, I’m able to get back out there this week or as soon as possible, then it’s going to be just every week kind of evaluating it, seeing where it’s at. Up until this point, I’ve been doing everything I can to avoid that. I want to be back out there with my guys and finish the season. That’s my goal. That’s what I want to do. Beyond that, I don’t know.”

Lawrence was hurt in the Jaguars’ Week 9 loss at Philadelphia. Mac Jones led the offense in his absence.

Jacksonville returned from a bye last week and Lawrence was able to practice on Monday, but said he felt the clear benefit of rest during the downtime.

He has completed 168 of 274 passes for 2,004 yards and 11 touchdowns with six interceptions this season.

–Field Level Media

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) talks with offensive coordinator Press Taylor during practice on Nov. 7 at the Miller Electric Center. Lawrence was limited for a second day in a row because of a left shoulder injury.

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence pushing to play, not ruling out surgery

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence stands squarely in the middle of two options for addressing his left shoulder injury.

After missing the past two games, Lawrence described his physical status as “feeling better” following his second practice this week on Wednesday as the Jaguars (2-9) prepared to host the AFC South-leading Houston Texans (7-5) at EverBank Stadium on Sunday.

“I’m hoping I’m back out there this week,” Lawrence said Wednesday. “It would be great. That’s what I want. I want to be back on the field playing with my teammates and that’s the plan.”

Head coach Doug Pederson plainly laid out the other option on the table for Lawrence, who said he’s still very much considering surgical repair of his non-throwing shoulder.

Lawrence, 25, said the operation is “definitely something I’m considering and not off the table at all,” and Pederson said he’s “not going to commit” to Lawrence playing this week.

“It has been pretty a difficult thing to gauge what’s the best path forward,” Lawrence said. “Hopefully, I’m able to get back out there this week or as soon as possible, then it’s going to be just every week kind of evaluating it, seeing where it’s at. Up until this point, I’ve been doing everything I can to avoid that. I want to be back out there with my guys and finish the season. That’s my goal. That’s what I want to do. Beyond that, I don’t know.”

Lawrence was hurt in the Jaguars’ Week 9 loss at Philadelphia. Jacksonville returned from a bye last week and Lawrence was able to practice on Monday, but said he felt the clear benefit of rest during the downtime.

He has completed 168 of 274 passes for 2,004 yards and 11 touchdowns with six interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) scores a touchdown past Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship (32) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence limited, Week 10 status unclear

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Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was limited in Wednesday’s practice and his status for Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings is unclear.

Head coach Doug Pederson said Lawrence is “sore” with an “upper-body injury,” that is specifically a left shoulder issue according to multiple reports.

The Jaguars (2-7) are at home Sunday to face the Minnesota Vikings (6-2), but Pederson could not promise Lawrence will be on the field.

“Can’t answer that,” he said. “Can’t answer that today, not sitting here Wednesday.”

Backup Mac Jones worked with the first-team offense on Wednesday.

Lawrence has 11 touchdowns and six interceptions this season. His injury came to light on the same day Jacksonville signed C.J. Beathard off of the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad. Beathard was cut by Jacksonville at the end of training camp with an injury settlement. He spent the 2021-23 seasons as the No. 2 quarterback behind Lawrence.

Beathard, 30, has appeared in 32 NFL games since San Francisco selected him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He has a 3-10 record as a starter with the 49ers and Jaguars (2021-23) and has completed 60.4 percent of his pass attempts for 3,886 yards with 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Sep 29, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) walks on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Streaking again, Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence keeps faith in U-turn

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Losing streaks are nothing new to Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

The No. 1 pick in 2021, Lawrence lost his first five starts that year and later endured an eight-game skid. Jacksonville went through another five-game slump in 2022 and posted a four-game losing streak last December.

But he didn’t see Jacksonville’s 0-4 start coming in 2024. Lawrence said Wednesday he doesn’t believe the Jaguars’ preparation equates to his personal nine-start losing streak dating to last season.

“Being a rookie and pretty naive, I didn’t understand the situation either. At this point even in ’21, we lost a close one in Cincinnati on Thursday night, lost on a walk-off field goal to Cincinnati that ended up going to the Super Bowl that year,” Lawrence said Wednesday. “We’ve got to go win games. I have a lot of faith in this group.”

The Jaguars are donning throwback jerseys to the 1994 expansion franchise iteration and are home for only the second time in five games this week against the Indianapolis Colts (2-2).

Streaking is part of the path for the Jaguars in recent seasons, but only one NFL team has gone from 0-4 to the playoffs. The 1992 San Diego Chargers, who eventually lost to the 49ers in the Super Bowl.

In 2022, the Jaguars started 2-1, then lost five in a row. But they closed on a five-game winning streak to win the AFC South and reach the postseason and deliver a dramatic comeback (31-30) to knock off the Chargers.

Lawrence said he still believes the Jaguars are close to rattling off a streak in the other direction. But the issues are many.

Outscored 109-60 through Week 4, Jacksonville ranks 25th in the NFL in total offense and 30th in total defense.

Lawrence, sacked 12 times in 2024, is completing just 53.3 percent of his passes.

After leading the Dolphins in Week 1, missing a chance — due to penalty — to take the lead over the Browns in Week 2 and losing a lead again last week at Houston, head coach Doug Pederson is preaching situational execution.

That also applies to Lawrence. He’s completing 38.5 percent of his passes in the fourth quarter (10 of 26) and 46.2 percent in the red zone this season.

It’s the red zone where Jaguars running back Travis Etienne said Jacksonville has allowed wins to turn into losses. He also had a big hand in the current streak, fumbling away a chance to score and sparking the Dolphins’ rally in Week 1.

“I’ve dealt with a few of these in my career unfortunately. It’s never fun. You have to be thick-skinned. You have to be persistent when you’re in a situation like this. Keep your head down and keep working,” Lawrence said. “I’ve been on teams where we’ve come out of it, where we won six straight after we lost five straight. It’s a long season. You just have to keep playing. You can’t sulk in the past either. We’re at where we’re at. … It just takes one.”

–Field Level Media

NFL Washington Commanders defensive end K.J. Henry

Cowboys sign DE K.J. Henry, put DeMarcus Lawrence to IR

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Dallas Cowboys signed K.J. Henry off the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad on Tuesday after placing fellow defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence on injured reserve.

Lawrence sustained a Lisfranc injury to his right foot in the third quarter of last Thursday’s 20-15 road win against the New York Giants. The four-time Pro Bowl selection is not expected to have surgery but will need four to eight weeks to recover.

Lawrence, 32, has three sacks and 14 tackles in 14 starts this season. He has 61.5 sacks, 21 forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries and two interceptions in 141 games (123 starts) since Dallas drafted him in the second round in 2014.

Henry, 25, was a fifth-round pick by Washington in 2023 and recorded 1.5 sacks and 19 tackles in 10 games (three starts) for the Commanders as a rookie.

Waived by Washington on Aug. 27, Henry signed with the Bengals and has played a total of 11 snaps on defense and seven on special teams in two games this season.

In addition to Lawrence’s absence, the Cowboys (2-2) are preparing to play Sunday night at Pittsburgh (3-1) without star pass-rusher Micah Parsons due to a left high-ankle sprain.

–Field Level Media

Sep 26, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) injured in the second half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Cowboys’ Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence headed for MRIs

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The Dallas Cowboys were awaiting word on two defensive stalwarts who got injured in their 20-15 win over the New York Giants on Thursday in East Rutherford, N.J.

Linebacker Micah Parsons hurt his left ankle in the fourth quarter. Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence injured his right foot in the third quarter. Both will undergo MRI exams on Friday.

Parsons said postgame that X-rays on his ankle were negative. He added, according to ESPN, “Right now, I just iced it. I know very little. I’ve got an MRI (scheduled for Friday), and I’m going to try to get back next week.”

The Athletic reported that Parsons was limping in the locker room but that he told Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, “I’ll be good.”

Parsons got hurt with 3:30 left as he was being blocked low by guard Greg Van Roten and high by center John Michael Schmitz Jr. Van Roten appeared to come down on the back of Parsons’ foot.

Lawrence said X-rays on his foot were negative, though he also is headed for an MRI exam, as well. He said, according to Yahoo Sports, “I’ll be back in no time.”

Both Parsons and Lawrence had two tackles and Monday, and Lawrence had a sack.

Parsons, 25, was selected a first-team All-Pro in two of his previous three NFL seasons, when he averaged 13.5 sacks per year.

Lawrence, 32, is a four-time Pro Bowl selection. He has 61.5 career sacks in 141 NFL games.

–Field Level Media