The Jacksonville Jaguars head into their crucial Week 18 matchup against the Tennessee Titans – with the AFC South crown and a playoff spot on the line – lack of clarity on Trevor Lawrence.
The third year quarterback missed last week's game against the Carolina Panthers with a shoulder injury, it was the first time he sat out a match in his professional career. But Lawrence returned to practice this week, although he was listed as limited Wednesday through Friday.
If Lawrence is unable to play, the Jaguars would likely turn to CJ Beathard, the seventh-year veteran who last week made his first start since 2020. Beathard completed 17 of 24 passes for 178 yards in a win 26-0 against the Panthers.
Lawrence's availability could have a huge effect on NFL playoff photo during the last weekend of the regular season. With a win, the Jaguars will win the AFC South title for the second year in a row. But a loss would knock them out of the playoff field, closing out the division for the Houston Texans and giving the final two conference spots to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills.
Here's the latest on Lawrence's injury:
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Trevor Lawrence Injury Updates: Latest on Jaguars QB
Lawrence, who is officially listed as questionable, could be a game-time decision, Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said Friday.
Pederson said Lawrence would play if he was medically cleared.
“If he's ready to go, he's ready to go. 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 out there, he rides and we're going to play,” Pederson said, according to the Florida Times-Union.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Sunday morning that Lawrence was “going in the right direction”“.
Jaguars injury report
Lawrence isn't the only key Jaguars figure facing some uncertainty over his status for Sunday.
Wide receiver Christian Kirk is also listed as questionable due to a core muscle injury, but was activated to the active roster on Saturday.
Kirk ranks third on the Jaguars in receptions (57) and receiving yards (787).
Fellow receiver Zay Jones (knee/hamstring) is also listed as questionable.
