Jaguars will play without Lawrence

Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence will miss the first game of his professional career because of a sprained throwing shoulder.

Lawrence was a spectator at practice all week and was officially ruled out Friday for the team’s home finale against Carolina (2-13). C.J. Beathard will make his first start in three years Sunday in what’s become a must-win game for the Jaguars (8-7).

Lawrence sprained his AC joint while diving for a first down on a fourth-and-1 play in the third quarter of Sunday’s 30-12 loss at Tampa Bay. He could barely lift his arm in the locker room after the game.

He was ineffective before he got hurt, throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble as Jacksonville fell behind, 30-0, on its way to a fourth consecutive loss. Lawrence completed 17 for 29 passes for 211 yards, and all three of his turnovers led to Tampa

Bay touchdowns.

The Jaguars will try to end the skid against the Panthers and keep alive their hopes of making the postseason for the second time in as many seasons. Jacksonville can clinch the jumbled AFC South with a victory combined with losses by Houston and Indianapolis.

Wilson: No paycut

Before he was benched for Sunday’s game against the Chargers, Russell Wilson said the Broncos approached him soon after a win over Kansas City on Oct. 29 with an ultimatum: adjust his contract or risk being benched.

Wilson, who signed a five-year, $245 million contract extension last year that kicks in next season, did not, citing the risk of injuries. He wasn’t benched, though, and led the team to three straight wins after the bye week before the Broncos dropped three of their last four to fall to 7-8. The Broncos need to win out and have the Chiefs lose their last two games to make the postseason for the first time since winning the Super Bowl following the 2015 season.

“It definitely hurt. It was a low blow for a bit,” Wilson said of the contract ask by the team.

Pittman cleared

Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has cleared concussion protocol and coach Shane Steichen said he should be able to play against the Raiders Sunday.

Pittman was cleared a week ago, but showed symptoms of a concussion a day later and was ruled out of last week’s 29-10 loss to the Falcons.

Raiders running back Josh Jacobs is listed as doubtful after missing the past two games with a quadriceps injury.

Jacobs has rushed for 805 yards, with 3.5 yards per carry, and six TDs this year. Zamir White started in his place the past two games and run for 214 yards with a 5.5-yard average.

Moore ‘doing better’

Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore was hospitalized overnight after suffering a concussion Thursday in a playoff-clinching win over the Jets.

Moore, who had a touchdown reception in the second quarter, got hurt when his head got slammed facemask first into the turf on a tackle after a 22yard gain.

The 23-year-old appeared to be knocked unconscious, and after he rolled onto his back, his body began to twitch involuntarily as he laid on the ground.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said that Moore is “doing better.”

Mixed for Vikings

The Vikings have ruled starting cornerback Byron Murphy out of their pivotal game against the Packers because of a knee injury. Murphy did not practice this week after missing the previous game against Detroit. He was replaced in the lineup by Mekhi Blackmon, who was listed as questionable because of a shoulder injury. Wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) was also listed as questionable. The Vikings will also be without tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) and outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum (quadriceps), who were placed on season-ending injured reserve this week. However, right tackle Brian O’Neill (ankle) practiced in full all week after missing the previous two games. The Packers will play without cornerback Jaire Alexander, who’s serving a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team involving the coin toss in the overtime victory against the Panthers . . . Safety Jamal Adams (quadriceps) will miss his third straight game for the Seahawks despite returning to practice in a limited capacity this week. The team is optimistic that rookie first-round pick Devon Witherspoon has a chance to play against the Steelers after missing the past two games with a hip injury. Wide receiver DK Metcalf is expected to play despite missing several days with lower back soreness, while decisions on running back Kenneth Walker III (shoulder) and linebacker Jordyn Brooks (ankle) will be made before Sunday..