The Houston Texans entered Week 13 unsure which quarterback would start for the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at EverBank Stadium.
They have a strong understanding following Friday’s practice.
Fourth-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence is on track to return to the lineup for the AFC South showdown after missing the past two games with a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder.
Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said that Lawrence had a strong week of practice and should have no limitations in his first game since Nov. 3.
Jaguars HC Doug Pederson said QB Trevor Lawrence, who missed the past two games with a left shoulder injury, is expected to play Sunday’s game vs. the Texans.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 29, 2024
“I would say as of right now, yes, he will play,” Pederson told reporters Friday.”You know, we’ll get through today, Friday, Saturday, but he’s had a good week.”
Lawrence injured his non-throwing shoulder during the first half of Week 9’s loss against the Philadelphia Eagles but remained in the game. He missed the next two games, leading to Mac Jones taking over as the starter.
Jacksonville (2-9) had a bye week to rest, giving Lawrence time to recover before retaking the field. Pederson suggested he would not drastically alter Jacksonville’s offensive game plan should Lawrence play against Houston but will be mindful of putting his quarterback in harm’s way.
“You don’t want your quarterback to get hit anyway, but yeah, you just got to be conscious of moving around or too many design runs or anything like that,” Pederson said. “But if he’s cleared to play, we go play and can’t worry about getting hit or taking a shot or anything like that.”
Jones, who started three seasons for the New England Patriots, hasn’t been the sole problem to Jacksonville’s woes, but the offense has struggled with him under center. Over the past two starts, the Jaguars have managed just a combined 313 yards and 13 points.
#Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence looked much more comfortable today imo throwing at practice. Hes expected to play Sunday against Houston: pic.twitter.com/c8QooUhiFc
— Demetrius Harvey (@Demetrius82) November 29, 2024
In nine games, Lawrence has 61.3% of his passes for 2,004 yards and 11 touchdowns against six interceptions. On Wednesday, he told reporters that his shoulder feels the best it has since the injury and that he wanted to play against the Texans.
“Hopefully, I’m able to get back out there this week or as soon as possible and then it’s going to be just every week kind of evaluating it, seeing where it’s at,” Lawrence said.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT. The Texans enter as a 5.5-point favorite.