**Trevor Lawrence Unlikely to Play Against Vikings Due to Shoulder Injury, Says Jaguars Coach**

In Jacksonville, Fla., it appears that Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence may not be able to take the field against the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday due to a left shoulder injury. Head coach Doug Pederson indicated Friday morning that Lawrence's chances of playing are slim.

“If Lawrence doesn’t play, Mac Jones, acquired by the Jaguars in a March trade, will be stepping in as the starting quarterback for the matchup against the Vikings. C.J. Beathard, recently signed from the Miami Dolphins' practice squad, is set to serve as the backup.

This game would be only the second that Lawrence has missed since he was drafted first overall by the Jaguars in 2021. Last season, he missed the Week 17 game against the Carolina Panthers due to an injury to his right shoulder. Lawrence sustained his current injury during the first half of a recent game against the Philadelphia Eagles, following a rough hit while making a run. Despite the injury, he continued to play and nearly led the Jaguars to a victory, only to be intercepted in the end zone by Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean.

Throughout the week, Lawrence has been limited in practice. Coach Pederson, speaking on his weekly radio show, suggested that Lawrence’s injury history influenced the decision-making process. Last season, Lawrence battled through a series of injuries that disrupted his practice schedule, which Pederson believes affected his performance.

Coach Pederson stated, "What I learned last year is if we know early in the week that he's not going to play, don't play him. Let him get healthy, let him heal, because he can't miss those reps in practice."

So far this season, Lawrence has thrown for 2,004 yards, with 11 touchdowns and six interceptions, completing 61.3% of his passes — the second-lowest completion percentage of his career.

Jones, in contrast, would be making his first start since Week 12 of the 2023 season. His last appearance for the New England Patriots resulted in a benching after completing 12 of 21 passes for 89 yards and two interceptions in a loss to the New York Giants. Traded to Jacksonville for a sixth-round pick in the 2024 draft, Jones has appeared in two games this season, completing 6 of 9 passes for 28 yards.

Originally drafted 15th overall in 2021 by the Patriots, Jones brings experience with a career completion rate of 66.1%, accumulating 8,946 yards, 46 touchdowns, and 36 interceptions in 42 starts. He also led the Patriots to the playoffs and earned a Pro Bowl selection in his rookie season.