The Jaguars are set to visit Ford Field on Sunday, but their starting quarterback won’t be available to play.
Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) was ruled out by Jacksonville coach Doug Pederson four days ahead of his team’s clash with the Detroit Lions. It’ll be the second game in a row Lawrence misses while dealing with what the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport recently reported is a “significant AC joint sprain” in his left shoulder.
Former Patriots quarterback Mac Jones started in Lawrence’s place against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 10, completing 14 of his 22 passes for 111 yards and 2 interceptions. Jacksonville’s lone score came via a 1-yard touchdown rush from Jones in the first quarter.
Jones is slated to start once again at Detroit.
“One, he’s a veteran quarterback, so he’s played [and] he’s started in this league. He knows how to handle that,” Pederson said Wednesday when asked what Jones provides. “Two, leadership-wise with the guys, you see him communicate with the players on and off the field [and] with us as coaches as well.
“I think the third thing is how well he does communicate with us when it comes to the game plan; what he likes, what he doesn’t like. And then just his overall work ethic, how he prepares for these games. [That] really gives him the best opportunity playing in these games.”
The Jaguars have their bye week following Detroit. That provides an opportunity for Lawrence to have extended rest, but Pederson noted how he is “still a question, but I’m optimistic” for his availability after the bye.
Lawrence had started the first nine games for Jacksonville, passing for 2,004 yards and 11 touchdowns to go along with 6 interceptions while completing 61.3%.
Up next …
Jags at Lions
When: 1, Sunday, Ford Field
TV: WKMG-6
