Hoping to watch former Clemson stars in the NFL preseason opener? You’re out of luck
Clemson fans hoping to watch two former stars and current Jacksonville Jaguars teammates compete in Thursday’s NFL Hall of Fame Game are out of the luck.
Neither quarterback Trevor Lawrence nor running back Travis Etienne will play in the Jaguars’ Thursday preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders in Canton, Ohio (8 p.m., NBC), Jaguars coach Doug Pederson told reporters Tuesday.
Pederson said it’s a precautionary measure for Lawrence, the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and Etienne, the No. 25 pick who missed his entire rookie season with a Lisfranc injury. Both players have been full participants in training camp.
Lawrence threw for 3,641 yards, 12 touchdowns and 17 interceptions as a rookie for the Jaguars (2-14). He enters his second year under a new coach, Pederson, who led the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl LII win over the New England Patriots.
NFL teams frequently sit their starters throughout the preseason.
Jacksonville Jaguars preseason schedule
Thursday, Aug. 4: Jaguars at Raiders, 8 p.m., NBC (Hall of Fame Game)
Friday, Aug. 12: Browns at Jaguars, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 20: Steelers at Jaguars, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 27: Jaguars at Falcons, 3 p.m., NFL Network
