Trevor Lawrence Sits Preseason Opener as Jaguars Add Quinn

Trevor Lawrence will watch from the sidelines as the Jacksonville Jaguars open their 2026 preseason schedule. Head coach Liam Coen confirmed on August 6 that the franchise quarterback, along with many other starters, will not play against the New Orleans Saints. This decision prioritizes Lawrence's health for the regular season after he led the team to a 13-4 record and an AFC South title in 2025.

Who will back up Trevor Lawrence in 2026?

The Jaguars have reshuffled their quarterback room behind Lawrence. On August 29, the team acquired Quinn Ewers from the Miami Dolphins in a trade that also involved swapping third-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft. Ewers, a seventh-round pick in 2025, started three games as a rookie, throwing for 622 yards and three touchdowns. He will compete with veteran Nick Mullens for the primary backup job. Mullens, entering his ninth season, saw limited action in five games last year.

What happened in the joint practice with the Buccaneers?

Lawrence made headlines off the field during a late-August joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A video shared by the NFL showed the quarterback getting into a minor dispute with Buccaneers linebacker Alex Anzalone. Both players are known for their long, blonde hair, leading Coach Coen to later describe the incident as a “hair on hair” dispute. Coen said he didn't think much of the scuffle, which occurred on August 25. Lawrence's signature look, a fixture since his Clemson days, appears to be back in full flow after an offseason trim.

What are the expectations for Trevor Lawrence this season?

Lawrence is entering his sixth NFL season with significant momentum. His 2025 campaign was his best yet, setting career highs with 4,007 passing yards and 29 touchdown passes. He also added 359 rushing yards and nine scores on the ground. The Jaguars' offense looks potent, with wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, and Parker Washington providing a deep threat chart. The team's goal is to repeat as division champions and advance further in the playoffs after a Wild Card round exit last January.

• Preseason Status: Trevor Lawrence was held out of the Jaguars' first preseason game on August 6, 2026.
• New Backup: The Jaguars traded for quarterback Quinn Ewers on August 29 to compete with Nick Mullens.
• 2025 Performance: Lawrence threw for 4,007 yards and 29 TDs, leading Jacksonville to a 13-4 record.
• Practice Incident: Lawrence was involved in a lighthearted "hair on hair" scuffle with Alex Anzalone on August 25.