Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence shows off cleats vs. Rams designed by Long Branch students

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - In front of around 65,000 fans at SoFi Stadium Sunday, Trevor Lawrence showed off his impressive-looking multi-colored cleats designed by students at Long Branch Elementary School on the Eastside. 

The customized cleats worn by the Jaguars players Sunday and next week against the Tennessee Titans are part of the NFL's MyCause My Cleats program to represent organizations and charities.

In April, Lawrence grew fond of Long Branch Elementary when he arrived at the Jaguars facility at TIAA Bank Field for the first time two days after he was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. A band of 35 third graders from Long Branch greeted Lawrence with cheers, smiles, and signs to welcome him.

In the Jaguars' video posted last week, Long Branch Elementary principal Dr. Frank Graham tells the students that Lawrence did not forget the greeting they gave him before announcing he wants them to help design his cleats for the NFL initiative. 

"They designed the cleats, and an artist from Jacksonville actually painted them," Lawrence said. "I think there were seven or eight kids. It has their initials on one of the toes there. Those were some of the first people to greet me when I got to Jacksonville. They were waiting out front of the stadium with signs and just to see their positive attitude and the smile on their face."

Clouds of doubt:Along with Jaguars losing, Urban Meyer may be losing benefit of doubt

Jaguars vs. Rams:NFL football photo gallery, Week 13

NFL's My Cause, My Cleats campaign:A list of participating Jaguars players, coaches

Lawrence helped deliver more smiles at the school last week when he thanked the students for their design efforts by giving them new Adidas sneakers and a pizza party.

"It's really cool, I was happy to have them be a part of that," Lawrence said.

Anderson Jr., honored with helmet decal 

The Rams honored former University Christian and UCF running back Otis Anderson Jr., with a black decal with the letters OA Jr., on the back of their helmets for Sunday's game against the Jaguars. Anderson died in a domestic shooting last Monday. The Rams signed Anderson as an undrafted free agent in Jurnr, but they released him from their practice squad in September.  

Never losing faith

A nine-year veteran, Jaguars wide receiver Tavon Austin has relied on his experience to handle adversity. And he had to lean on it a lot this season, starting in September when a quadriceps injury forced him to miss the first quarter of the season. 

Austin had to push through from the back of the depth chart to get in the rotation. But a breakthrough came last week against the Atlanta Falcons when he made his first touchdown catch since 2019 when he played for the Dallas Cowboys. Austin made a spectacular leaping catch in the back of the end zone on a Trevor Lawrence pass for his touchdown grab in the third quarter.   

''Even though I've been in the league this long, some things go your way, and some things don't,'' Austin said. ''But it's all about how you keep your mind going in trusting your talent, trusting the Lord, then everything will work itself out. I'm just getting to a spot and learning my role.''

Austin played his first five seasons with the Rams - the first three when they were still located in St. Louis - when he was their first-round pick in 2013. He acknowledged that he does not flash the speed like he had eight years ago but can get open to make plays. 

''Going back to the beginning with Tavon, I really liked what he was doing, and then he ended up getting that injury,'' offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said. ''That really set him back and so you know things happen, and other guys pass you by as you’re rehabbing and getting ready. Then it took him a little bit to get back from it, but what I see from him is he is back to that full-speed guy.''

Bevell raved about whenever Austin has had opportunities to make plays; he has made them. Austin has caught 10 of 16 targets for 106 yards in eight games this season.

''Everyone has challenges, the whole world has challenges week in and week out,'' Austin said. ''But it's all about getting comfortable and having fun, just playing the game we love. 

Robinson plays 

Running back James Robinson suffered an injury setback during preparations for the Rams. It was not determined until 90 minutes before kickoff if he would play Sunday after testing his foot/heal during pregame work. 

Griffin, Hamilton held out

The Jaguars' inactives were cornerback Shaquill Griffin, defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton, offensive lineman KC McDermott, tight end Jacob Hollister and defensive end/outside linebacker Jordan Smith. Griffin remained in concussion protocol and did not make the trip. Hamilton missed two practices last week because of a knee injury. McDermott, Hollister and Smith were healthy scratches. The Rams' inactives were quarterback Bryce Perkins; outside linebacker Chris Garrett; offensive linemen Alaric Jackson and Tremayne Anchrum Jr.; cornerback David Long Jr., and safety JuJu Hughes. Rams starters wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., (hip) and running back Darrell Henderson (thigh) both played though they were listed as questionable to play. 

Tufele returns

Rookie defensive tackle Jay Tufele was activated from injured reserve/designated for return list. Until Sunday, Tufele had not played since Week 6 against the Miami Dolphins when he broke his hand during warmups.