Jacksonville starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence is expected to return from a non-throwing shoulder injury and play in Week 13 against the Houston Texans, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson revealed on Friday.
Lawrence missed Jacksonville’s last two games after suffering an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder against Philadelphia in Week 9. He returned to practice in a limited fashion this week after not participating in Week 11 and following the Jaguars’ Week 12 bye.
“Yeah, I mean he’s had a good week. He’s obviously done some really good things this week,” Pederson said Friday. “I would say as of right now, yes, he will play. You know, we’ll get through today, Friday, Saturday, but he’s had a good week.”
Pederson suggested he would not drastically alter Jacksonville’s offensive gameplan should Lawrence play against Houston. However, he will be mindful of putting his quarterback in situations where he could take on contact.
“I mean, you don’t want your quarterback to get hit anyway. But yeah, I mean, you’ve just got to be conscious of moving around or too many designed runs or anything like that,” explained Pederson.
“But if he’s cleared to pay, we go play. Can’t worry about getting hit or taking a shot or anything like that.”
Lawrence has completed 168-of-274 (61.3%) passes for 2,004 yards with 11 touchdowns and six interceptions in nine starts with the Jaguars this season.
Jacksonville vs. Houston is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. on Sunday, at EverBank Stadium.