Two Former Clemson Stars Won't Suit Up for Thursday's NFL Hall of Fame Game

Former quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne, who both play for the Jacksonville Jaguars, are sitting out of the Hall of Fame Game against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Jags head coach Doug Pederson.

© Bob Self/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK

Clemson Tiger fans won't be happy when they turn on their televisions Thursday night to watch the NFL's preseason opener. 

Former quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne, who both play for the Jacksonville Jaguars, are sitting out of the Hall of Fame Game against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Jags head coach Doug Pederson. 

Doug Pederson announces neither Trevor Lawrence or CJB will play in Thursday’s HOF Game. Jake Luton will get the start

Travis Etienne among the other first teamers that won’t play Thursday #Jaguars pic.twitter.com/ssEjOdnFb5

— Mia O'Brien (@MiaOBrienTV) August 2, 2022

It's not uncommon for NFL teams to sit starters early in the preseason, especially when it's the first week of August and training camps have only been going on for a couple of weeks. 

Still, it's disappointing that the backfield tandem that led Clemson to three consecutive appearances in the College Football Playoff and a national championship in 2018 won't be out on the field Thursday together. 

Lawrence and Etienne were both first-round selections in the 2021 NFL Draft, and while the former Clemson QB struggled in his rookie season, he didn't have Etienne, the ACC's and Clemson's all-time leading rusher. The Jennings, La., native suffered a Lisfranc injury last preseason that cost him his rookie season. 

Jacksonville's next preseason game is Aug. 12 against the Cleveland Browns. 

The Jaguars' win total is set at 6.5 games, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. 

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