The first game after Jacksonville’s bye week was floated as a possible return date for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. As things stand, it appears that will be the point at which he next takes the field.
Lawrence resumed practicing this week while continuing to deal with an AC joint sprain in his non-throwing shoulder. Surgery is under consideration, but the former No. 1 pick’s preference is to return to action over the closing weeks of the season. The 2-9 Jaguars are set to face the Texans on Sunday, and Lawrence is on track to be in the lineup for that contest.
“He’s had a good week,” head coach Doug Pederson said (via Demetrius Harvey of the Florida Times-Union). “Done some really good things this week. I would say as of right now, yes, he will play.”
A postseason berth is not in the cards for Jacksonville, but having Lawrence back in the picture could offer a needed boost on offense. In two games with Mac Jones at the helm, the team has amassed only 313 yards and 13 points. Lawrence has not enjoyed a stellar campaign in his own regard, with his passer rating (87.9) being the worst mark since his rookie season. Still, he could give the Jags a higher floor in the passing game he if manages to avoid aggravating his shoulder injury.
Lawrence is attached to the $275M extension he signed this offseason, so his long-term health is an obvious priority for the franchise. Pederson noted there will be no restrictions for the Clemson product provided he is on the field Sunday, though, so the team’s offense will look to operate as usual with its top signal-caller back in the fold. Should Lawrence encounter a setback in the immediate future, Jones would be in position to see playing time once again; it would currently come as a surprise if that were to become necessary, however.
