Jaguars vs. Titans: Trevor Lawrence Reportedly 'Trending in the Right Direction'

The Jaguars' quarterback should be available in Week 18 after missing the first game of his career.

It is appearing more and more likely the Jacksonville Jaguars will have starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence back under center in Week 18. 

After missing Week 17 with a AC sprain in his throwing shoulder, the third-year quarterback is "trending in the right direction," according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Jaguars are facing a win-and-in scenario, but would miss the playoffs with a loss.

#Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence (right shoulder) is trending in the right direction, sources say. It's more about pain tolerance, and it's not certain. But a good chance.

Meanwhile, WR Zay Jones (knee, hamstring) should play today, while WR Christian Kirk (groin) is a less certain.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2024

Lawrence was replaced by C.J. Beathard in the final quarter of Week 16's 30-12 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, though Lawrence finished the drive he was injured on with a touchdown pass to wide receiver Calvin Ridley. Lawrence ultimately injured his shoulder when diving out of bounds and landing on it near the end of the third quarter.

Lawrence finished the game 17-of-29 for 211 yards and a touchdown, also throwing two interceptions and losing one fumble. 

This is the fourth injury Lawrence has sustained this year, following a knee injury in Week 6, an ankle sprain in Week 13, a concussion in Week 15, and now the shoulder injury. 

Lawrence's throwing reps in practice increased as the week went on, with Lawrence not throwing in front of media on Wednesday but then doing so on Thursday and then even more so on Friday.

“I haven’t limited him. He’s worked a lot with our trainers on the side, so today for me will probably be the first time to see him throw harder than what he did yesterday or the day before," Pederson said on Friday.

"It takes awhile it heal. It’s just something that he’ll have to deal with and work through.”