In theory, Lawrence could return in Week 18 if the club wanted. But with nothing to play for, and Adam Schefter literally saying it is “season-ending,” we’ll close up the ledger for Lawrence’s 2024 season. Lawrence finished with an 89.9 PFF grade and has been the best pass rusher at his position — perhaps the only player of his size period capable of doing what he does as a rusher — as he ends the year with 10 sacks in 551 snaps. Lawrence’s cap number balloons to $24.13 million next year. There aren’t many non-quarterbacks we’d say can carry that number and be worth it, but Lawrence is one of them.

Lawrence suffered a dislocated elbow in the Giants’ Week 13 loss to the Cowboys. While that’s not always a season-ending injury, Lawrence’s injury comes with just five weeks left in what is a lost season for the Giants. One of the few bright spots on the Giants’ roster, Lawrence has totaled 44 tackles, nine sacks, and eight TFLs this season. It’s unlikely we see him play another down for the Giants in 2024.

Lawrence was sporting a sling while talking to reports after the game. He will undergo further testing to determine the full extent of the injury. Entering the final month of a lost season, the Giants don’t have any reason to rush the stud defensive tackle back this year. He has nine TFLs and eight TFLs this year. It’s possible that’s where his season ends because of the elbow injury.

It’s a big loss for the Giants as Lawrence is one of the best interior defensive lineman in the sport. Lawrence picked up the injury in the third quarter, and he’ll be replaced by Jordan Riley as the nose for the remainder of the contest.