The Jacksonville Jaguars face off with the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon but will have to do so without the starting quarterback. Trevor Lawrence will miss another week while recovering from an injury.
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Head coach Doug Pederson confirmed the absence during his Wednesday morning press conference. He acknowledged that the looming bye week provides an extra week for Lawrence to recover from an AC joint sprain.
Although Pederson stopped short of saying that the former first-round draft pick will return against the Texans on Dec. 1.
"That is a question mark," Pederson said about Lawence's potential return to the lineup. "But I'm optimistic, yeah."
Lawrence sustained the injury during the second quarter of a 28-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He finished the game, throwing two interceptions and rushing for two touchdowns.
A season-ending surgery was one possible option for the Jaguars midway through the 2-7 season. The other option, which the team pursued, was to try rest and rehab.
Lawrence was not able to return for last weekend's game against the Vikings, which the Jaguars narrowly lost. Now, he will continue resting as his team prepares for another NFC North squad.
The absence means that the Jaguars will once again turn to backup Mac Jones, who is in his first season with the team.
Jones made his first start of the year last weekend against the Minnesota Vikings. He led one touchdown drive but threw two interceptions. He also fumbled once.
Jones, the 15th-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, spent the first three seasons of his career with the New England Patriots. He compiled a record of 18-24 while throwing for 8,918 yards, 46 touchdowns, and 36 interceptions. He earned a Pro Bowl trip as a rookie.
"It's high," Pederson said about his confidence level in Jones. "He's excited to have another opportunity. Obviously, a chance for him to rebound from last week. To the team, same way. Rally around him and support him and get ready to play a really good football team."
