The Carolina Panthers may have an easier path to playing spoiler come Sunday. 

In a not-so-shocking Friday update, the Jacksonville Jaguars (8-7), will not have starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence when they match up with the Panthers in Week 17. 

Lawrence suffered a shoulder injury in Week 16 and missed practice all week. Jaguars backup C.J. Beathard is in line to make his first start since Week 17 of the 2020 season. The Panthers defense should be licking its chops. Carolina has a real shot to play spoiler, and its pathway to doing so may have gotten easier. 

Coming into the game, Jacksonville owns the AFC South division with tiebreakers over Houston and Indianapolis. However, the Jaguars need to win out to ensure the division is still in hand when everything comes to a close. 

A Panthers win could change the complexion of the final two weeks of the season for Jacksonville. 

It also gives Carolina (2-13) something to play for. 

The Panthers are coming off a strong showing against the Green Bay Packers. Carolina also holds the all-time regular season series record by one game, 4-3. 

Additionally, the last time these two teams played, Oct. 6, 2019, the Panthers won 34-27 in a thriller. 

Carolina may not be playing for a playoff spot, but the opportunity to foil other team's plans is motivation enough for Chris Tabor and his island of misfit toys. 

“I think the guys have put themselves in a good position to give themselves a chance,” he said. “I like where we’re at, I like how they’re practicing, I like how they’re playing. And now, it gives you an opportunity to set yourself up for success. We’re playin’ a really good team that is fightin’ to go in the playoffs. So, this is a big game for us and a big game for them.”

Bryce Young will be looking to prove his career day against Green Bay wasn't a fluke, and several Panthers players have contracts to play for. 

“Yeah, I don’t think we need outside motivation,” he replied. “But at the same time—like I’ve always said—if we’re gonna compete and we’re gonna play, let’s win. We’re not the Washington Generals playing the Globetrotters. We wanna go down, compete, play, and win the game.”

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.