Lawrence (shoulder) iffy with division on the line

Last updated: 2024/01/05 at 11:16 PM

BigP Published January 5, 2024

Michael DiRocco, ESPN Staff WriterJan 5, 2024, 12:31 PM ET
Close

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jaguars might have to try to win the AFC South without their starting quarterback.

Coach Doug Pederson said he needs to see Trevor Lawrence throw the ball a little harder in practice Friday to test his sprained right AC joint and the decision to start Lawrence against the Tennessee Titans could go all the way up until just before kickoff.

“It’s day to day,” Pederson said. “Today will be a big day for him [as well as Saturday]. He’s progressing well.

“… He’s worked a lot with our trainers on the side, so today for me will be probably the first time to see him throw harder than he did yesterday or the day before.”

Pederson also said the team will not make a decision on whether to activate wide receiver Christian Kirk (core muscle) to the active roster until Saturday afternoon. Kirk suffered his injury Dec. 4 and has missed the Jaguars’ past four games. Jacksonville opened his 21-day practice window Wednesday, and he was limited in practice this week.

Lawrence, Kirk and wide receiver Zay Jones (knee/hamstring) are all listed as questionable to play.

Lawrence was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday. If he is cleared medically, he will play, Pederson said.

“He’ll try to do everything he can to protect himself, but at the same time, if he’s out there, he’s rolling and we’ll go play,” Pederson said.

The Titans will be starting Ryan Tannehill at quarterback after ruling out Will Levis. The rookie quarterback will not play after he suffered a foot injury in last week’s loss to the Houston Texans.

The Jaguars (9-7) can win the AFC South by beating the Titans (5-11) in Nashville, giving them back-to-back division titles for just the second time in franchise history and first this century. They won AFC Central titles in 1998 and 1999.

They also can make the playoffs if they lose to the Titans, but they would need Pittsburgh to lose to Baltimore, Denver to lose to Las Vegas and the Houston-Indianapolis game not to result in a tie. If the Jaguars lose to the Titans, the Texans-Colts winner would be the AFC South champion.