Jaguars HC Doug Pederson indicated if QB Trevor Lawrence is medically cleared to play, he will play.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) January 5, 2024
Pederson: “If he's good to go, he's good to go. If he's out there, he's rolling." https://t.co/g703UWGlaT
Pederson went on to sound an optimistic note, indicating that the first-overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft would be on the field so long as he is medically cleared to play. Lawrence previously missed Week 17 due to a right shoulder injury.
It's been a rough end to the season for Lawrence. He was hobbled by this shoulder injury, a high-ankle sprain, and even a concussion over the month of December, and he hasn't won a start since November. Over four consecutive losses, Lawrence has thrown five interceptions and fumbled five times.
After an 8-3 start that seemingly gave them an insurmountable lead in the AFC South, the Jaguars find themselves 9-7 and fighting for their playoff lives in their season finale. Should they lose this week against the Titans, they'll surrender the division crown to the winner of Saturday's matchup between the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts and more than likely miss the playoffs.
Lawrence's health will be critical: he'll need to be at his best if he's going to rescue the Jaguars from a deeply disappointing season. So far, he has taken a significant step back from his breakout second year, regressing in interception rate (up from 1.4% to 2.3%) and net yards per passing attempt (from 6.43 down to 6.32).
If Lawrence continues to stumble, the Jaguars may have to think twice about how he measures up against the NFL's elite passers: he becomes extension-eligible this offseason and could command a contract that ranks among the most expensive in the league. If he doesn't improve, that deal could quickly become an anchor around the Jaguars' necks.
Photo Credit: © Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK
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