The Jacksonville Jaguars fell to 2-7 with their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last weekend. And they are unlikely to have quarterback Trevor Lawrence when they try to avoid a third straight defeat this Sunday, head coach Doug Pederson admitted Friday, when he said that Lawrence is unlikely to play against the Minnesota Vikings.
Lawrence was limited in practices on both Wednesday and Thursday with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder. He is currently considered day-to-day with his injury but is considering all options, including surgery, per NFL Media.
Should Lawrence indeed be sidelined for Sunday's game, former New England Patriots starter Mac Jones would be in line to fill in as Jacksonville's No. 1, making his first start of the season. Jones signed with the Jaguars this past offseason and has gone 6 of 9 for 28 yards in mop-up duty and the tail end of a pair of blowout losses.
The Jaguars also earlier this week reunited with backup quarterback C.J. Beathard, who was signed off the Miami Dolphins' practice squad. Beathard spent the previous three seasons as Lawrence's No. 2, only to be released as part of final roster cuts in August. He will likely operate as Jones' backup against Minnesota.
Lawrence missed a single game in 2023 while battling multiple injuries. He's been active for each of the Jaguars' nine games this year, his first under a new long-term contract, but has struggled with just 11 touchdowns and seven turnovers. The former No. 1 overall draft pick leads the NFL in giveaways since entering the league.