For the Jaguars to make the NFL playoffs, it's simple: win and you're there.
After the Texans beat the Colts on Saturday night, that temporarily knocked the Jags out of the playoffs altogether. However, Jacksonville is still in control of its destiny, with a win on Sunday securing not only a playoff spot, but also the division title.
That said, the team may have to play the must-win Week 18 game against the Titans without its star quarterback.
Trevor Lawrence is considered a game decision. The Jaguars quarterback missed Week 17 with a shoulder injury, marking the first time he has missed a start due to an injury in his career, dating back to high school. As he returned to practice this week, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson was unable to fully commit to Lawrence as the team's Week 18 starter.
This certainly isn't the first time Lawrence has played through injury. The 2021 No. 1 overall pick suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 13, but he didn't miss a single game and returned the following week. Lawrence then suffered a concussion in Week 15, but again was back in action seven days later.
Losing Lawrence for the final contest of the regular season would undoubtedly be a tough pill for Jacksonville to swallow. The franchise QB has totaled 3,736 yards, 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions this season, while completing 65.5% of his passes. He also contributed 329 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
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The Sporting News has the latest on Lawrence's status for Week 18.
Is Trevor Lawrence playing today?
Pederson said Friday that Lawrence, who is listed as questionable on the injury report, was a game-time decision Sunday.
“If he’s ready to go, he’s ready to go,” Pederson said. “I don't want to say careful, but he'll just have to know that he'll try to do everything he can to protect himself. At the same time, if he's out there, he's rolling, and we'll go play.”
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that Lawrence was “going in the right direction.” He said it's “more of a pain tolerance thing” when it comes to the QB's injury.
#Jaguars Quarterback Trevor Lawrence (right shoulder) is going in the right direction, sources say. It's more about pain tolerance, and that's not certain. But good luck.
Meanwhile, WR Zay Jones (knee, hamstring) is expected to play today, while WR Christian Kirk (groin) is less sure.
– Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2024
If Lawrence is unable to go, the Jaguars will then have to rely on backup CJ Beathard. The veteran signal-caller made his first start since 2020 last week, completing 17 of 24 passes for 178 yards in the win over the Panthers.
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Trevor Lawrence injury update
Lawrence suffered a shoulder injury in the Week 16 loss to the Buccaneers.
In the second half, Lawrence came out of the pocket and took off in an attempt to get a first down. However, when he dove to gain the extra meters needed, he landed on his shoulder, resulting in an injury.
Trevor Lawrence –
Falling on his right shoulder on a play late in the match, he finally left, seen here suffering after a throw.
I'm ready to receive images tomorrow.Probably AC or labral sprain concern if he lands directly on his shoulder.
pic.twitter.com/hmYrtoYrHk– Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) December 25, 2023
“When I landed, I knew something was wrong” Lawrence told reporters.
He was later diagnosed with an AC joint sprain and missed the Week 17 game against Carolina. It was the first time in the NFL – or in college – that Lawrence missed a game due to injury.