For the Jaguars to make the NFL playoffs, it's simple — win, and you're in.
After the Texans defeated the Colts on Saturday night, it temporarily pushed the Jags completely out of the playoffs. However, Jacksonville is still very much in control of its destiny, with a win on Sunday not only securing a playoff spot, but also the division title.
With that said, the team may have to play the must-win Week 18 contest against the Titans with its star quarterback at less than 100 percent.
Trevor Lawrence was considered a game-time decision after missing Week 17 with a shoulder injury, marking the first time he has missed a start due to injury in his career, dating all the way back to high school. While he returned to practice this week, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson could not fully commit to Lawrence as the team's Week 18 starter ahead of game day.
This is certainly not the first time Lawrence would be playing through an injury. The 2021 No. 1 overall pick suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 13, but he did not miss a single game, returning the very next week. Lawrence then suffered a concussion in Week 15, but again, he was back in action seven days later.
Losing Lawrence for the final regular-season contest would undoubtedly have been a tough pill for Jacksonville to swallow. The franchise QB has thrown for 3,736 yards, 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions this season, while completing 65.5% of his passes. He has 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 on Friday that Lawrence, who is listed on the injury report as questionable, is a game-time decision on Sunday.
"If he's good to go, he's good to go," Pederson said. "I don't want to say cautious, but he'll just have to know that he'll try to do anything 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 on Sunday morning that Lawrence was "trending in the right direction." He said that it is "more about pain tolerance" when it comes to the injury for the QB.
#Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence (right shoulder) is trending in the right direction, sources say. It's more about pain tolerance, and it's not certain. But a good chance.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2024
Meanwhile, WR Zay Jones (knee, hamstring) should play today, while WR Christian Kirk (groin) is a less certain.
Lawrence went through a pregame throwing routine shortly before inactives were due and was deemed ready to go.
Trevor Lawrence throwing pregame. pic.twitter.com/xyCeJThYKz
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) January 7, 2024
Trevor Lawrence told me he feels good. “We’re going to rip it,” he said. Lawrence doesn’t expect to limited at all today by his shoulder. He’s good to go with the division on the line.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) January 7, 2024
While Lawrence is set to start, he will be without one of his top targets, as receiver Christian Kirk is inactive with a core muscle injury.
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Trevor Lawrence injury update
Lawrence suffered the shoulder injury during the Week 16 loss to the Buccaneers.
In the second half, Lawrence scrambled out of the pocket and took off to try and get a first down. However, when he dove to get the extra yards needed, he landed on his shoulder, resulting in the injury.
Trevor Lawrence -
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) December 25, 2023
Fell on his right shoulder on a play late in the game and eventually left, seen here in pain after a throw.
Set to get imaging tomorrow.
Probably concern for AC sprain or labral if he landed directly onto his shoulder.
pic.twitter.com/hmYrtoYrHk
"When I landed, I knew something, something was off," 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 an injury.
Jaguars QB depth chart
| QB | Player |
| 1 | Trevor Lawrence |
| 2 | C.J. Beathard |
| 3 | Matt Barkley |
If Lawrence suffers any setbacks Sunday, then the Jaguars would have to rely on backup C.J. 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.
Veteran Matt Barkley, signed off the Giants' practice squad two weeks ago, will be the emergency third quarterback against the Titans.
