Trevor Lawrence Set to Return for Jaguars’ Crucial Matchup Against Texans
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jaguars are breathing a sigh of relief as their star quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, is expected to return to action this Sunday against the Houston Texans. After missing the last two games due to a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder, Lawrence has had a strong week of practice and is ready to lead his team once again, according to head coach Doug Pederson.
“Nothing held back,” Pederson confidently stated on Friday. “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. 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.”
Lawrence sustained the injury during the first half of the Jaguars’ game against the Philadelphia Eagles on November 3. Despite the setback, he didn’t miss a single snap in that game and nearly orchestrated a dramatic comeback before throwing a heartbreaking interception in the end zone with just 1:38 left on the clock. Unfortunately, the injury sidelined him for the next two games, leaving the Jaguars to rely on backup quarterback Mac Jones.
Jaguars Struggled Without Lawrence
It’s no secret that the Jaguars’ offense struggled in Lawrence’s absence. With Jones under center, Jacksonville managed a combined total of just 313 yards and 13 points in back-to-back losses to the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. The team’s playoff hopes took a hit, but Lawrence’s return could be the spark they need to get back on track.
So far this season, Lawrence has completed 61.3% of his passes for 2,004 yards, throwing 11 touchdowns and six interceptions. While those numbers may not jump off the page, his leadership and ability to make plays in critical moments have been invaluable to the Jaguars’ success.
Lawrence’s Road to Recovery
Lawrence returned to practice on Monday for the first time since November 8, and by Wednesday, he was feeling optimistic about his progress. “My shoulder feels the best it has since the injury,” Lawrence shared. “Hopefully, I’m able to get back out there this week or as soon as possible.”
However, the 24-year-old quarterback also acknowledged that surgery remains a possibility. “I think [the sprained joint] has been a pretty difficult thing to gauge, honestly, of what’s the best path forward,” Lawrence said. “[Surgery is] definitely something that I’m considering and not off the table at all. It’s something that we’re going to have to just [approach] truly day by day, week by week.”
For now, Lawrence is focused on finishing the season strong and helping his team make a playoff push. “Up until this point, I’ve been doing everything I can to avoid [surgery] and want to be back out there with my guys and finish the season. So that’s my goal,” he added.
What to Watch For Against the Texans
As the Jaguars prepare to face the Texans, all eyes will be on Lawrence to see how he performs in his first game back. Here are three key things to watch for:
- Lawrence’s Mobility: Will the shoulder injury limit his ability to scramble or extend plays?
- Offensive Rhythm: Can the Jaguars’ offense find its groove again with Lawrence at the helm?
- Playoff Implications: A win against Houston could keep Jacksonville’s postseason hopes alive.
Coach Pederson emphasized that while the team will be cautious, they won’t hold back if Lawrence is cleared to play. “If he’s cleared to play, we go play,” Pederson reiterated. “You can’t worry about getting hit or taking a shot or anything like that.”
Looking Ahead
The Jaguars are currently in a tight race for a playoff spot, and Lawrence’s return couldn’t come at a better time. With just a few games left in the regular season, every win is crucial. The Texans, meanwhile, will be looking to play spoiler and capitalize on any rust Lawrence might show after his two-week absence.
For Jaguars fans, Sunday’s game is more than just another matchup—it’s a chance to see their franchise quarterback back in action and leading the charge. Whether Lawrence can shake off the injury and deliver a standout performance remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the stakes couldn’t be higher.
So, mark your calendars and get ready for what promises to be an exciting showdown in Houston. The Jaguars’ season may very well hinge on the arm—and shoulder—of Trevor Lawrence.
Originally Written by: Michael DiRocco
