The Jacksonville Jaguars appear poised to welcome back Trevor Lawrence as they prepare for a crucial AFC South showdown against the Houston Texans in Week 13.
Head coach Doug Pederson provided an optimistic update on Friday, suggesting that the star quarterback, sidelined for the past two games with a shoulder injury, is on track to return.
“As of right now, yes, he will play,” Pederson stated during Friday’s press conference. “We still have to get through today, Friday, and then Saturday, but he’s had a good week of practice.” While cautious, Pederson’s tone reflects growing confidence that Lawrence will be under center on Sunday, offering a much-needed boost to the struggling Jaguars.
Lawrence’s absence has been felt heavily. Jacksonville endured a humiliating 52-6 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 11 without their franchise QB, a performance that exposed glaring deficiencies on both sides of the ball. With a 2-9 record heading into Week 13, the Jaguars are desperate for a turnaround, and Lawrence’s return could be the spark they need.
However, it’s clear that this season has been a tough one for Lawrence. He’s posting his worst numbers since his rookie year in 2021, completing just 61.3% of his passes and averaging 222.7 yards per game. His 87.9 passer rating reflects the overall struggles of an offense that hasn’t found its rhythm under Pederson’s leadership.
Despite these challenges, Pederson remains hopeful that Lawrence’s presence will lift the team emotionally and physically. “Anytime you get your starting quarterback back out there, that gives you a little energy and all of that. It’s a positive,” Pederson said. For a team that has endured multiple setbacks, Lawrence’s return represents more than just another game—it’s a chance to re-energize a roster that’s lacked confidence.
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The Texans, sitting firmly in playoff contention, won’t make it easy. A division rival with momentum, Houston will test whether Jacksonville can bounce back with Lawrence at the helm. Pederson knows this game could be pivotal not just for the Jaguars’ season but also for his own future in Jacksonville.
Though playoff hopes have long faded, the Jaguars have five games left to salvage their pride and begin building for 2025. A strong finish could solidify Pederson’s position and restore faith in a franchise that has seen more than its share of setbacks in recent years.
Lawrence’s return won’t solve all of Jacksonville’s problems overnight. However, a solid performance against a division opponent could restore some much-needed morale. The team will need more than just Lawrence’s arm—they’ll need a complete team effort to pull off a win and prove they can still compete in the AFC South.
As Sunday approaches, the Jaguars’ focus will be on keeping Lawrence healthy and limiting mistakes that have plagued them throughout the season. If they can manage that, Jacksonville might just find a silver lining in what has otherwise been a dismal campaign.
In a season where hope has been in short supply, the return of their franchise quarterback provides at least one reason for optimism. And for Pederson, Lawrence’s comeback could be a defining moment in proving the Jaguars are better than their record suggests.