3 reasons Jaguars can hold the fort if Trevor Lawrence misses time, 2 they won't

2. C.J. Beathard will have a wide array of weapons at this disposal

Wide receiver Christian Kirk went down after reeling in a 26-yard pass on the first play of the Jaguars' opening drive of their Monday Night Football bout. He missed the rest of the game and is expected to have core surgery, meaning he could miss an extended period of time. The silver lining is that rookie Parker Washington filled in for him nicely, hauling in six receptions for 61 yards with one touchdown.

That was the first time this season Washington got playing time on offense. He was inactive the first three weeks and then spent time on the Injury Reserve. Once he returned, he was relegated to returning punts. Kirk's injury paved the way for the rookie out of Penn State to see the field on offense, and he made the most of his chances.

As long as Kirk is out, Washington will be involved on offense, giving C.J. Beathard one weapon in the slot. Having said that, he's not the only player the seventh-year quarterback could have at his disposal. Zay Jones sat out several games with a knee injury but he's back in the fold. He could get an expanded role in light of Kirk's absence. Also, Calvin Ridley has been hot and cold this season, but he's played much better in recent weeks, having gotten a stronger grasp of the playbook.

There's also tight end Evan Engram, who hauled nine receptions for 82 yards and reached the end zone for the first time in 2023 this past Monday. If that wasn't enough, the Jaguars can always lean on the always-reliable Travis Etienne.

Beathard doesn't have to put the team on his shoulder. He just needs to get the ball to his playmakers and avoid big mistakes.