The outlook for the Jacksonville Jaguars might not be as bleak as it seems. While the team sits at a disheartening 2-9 following their bye week, hope still lingers for a playoff berth—albeit a slim one. Adding to this glimmer of optimism is the potential return of their starting quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, for their critical divisional clash against the Houston Texans in Week 13.
Lawrence, who has been sidelined due to a shoulder sprain, appears to be on the mend. Head coach Doug Pederson announced on Monday that the fourth-year quarterback would participate in practice, stating, “Trevor’s going to practice today, and we’ll see where he’s at from there.” The injury, which kept Lawrence out of Jacksonville’s last two games, has had a noticeable impact. The team’s offense struggled in his absence, managing only 13 points under backup quarterback Mac Jones.
Despite a rocky start to the season, Lawrence had been finding his stride before the injury, helping the Jaguars remain competitive. Initially injured in Week 9, there were fears that he might require season-ending shoulder surgery. However, recent updates, including Pederson’s remarks, suggest that Lawrence could return in the coming weeks. Before his injury, Lawrence had played nine games this season, completing 61.3% of his passes for 2,004 yards, with 11 touchdowns and six interceptions—a solid showing for the young quarterback.
The Jaguars’ struggles this season have fueled speculation about potential organizational changes. Following an embarrassing loss in Week 11, rumors swirled about the possible dismissal of head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke. However, team owner Shad Khan has opted to stick with the current regime for now. This decision, coupled with Lawrence’s impending return, could serve as a rallying point for the team as they attempt to finish the season strong.
Statistically, the Jaguars face an uphill battle, with ESPN estimating their playoff chances at less than 1.0%. However, if they manage to win their remaining games, their postseason odds could rise to 20%. While still not ideal, it’s a significant improvement from their current position.
For Jacksonville to pull off a playoff miracle, they would need more than just a flawless finish. The Texans and the Colts would also need to drop at least three or four games. While this scenario is unlikely, the mere fact that the Jaguars are still in the conversation is cause for cautious optimism. If Lawrence returns and the team finds its rhythm, a late-season surge could make an improbable playoff push a reality. Once in the postseason, anything is possible, regardless of how they got there.
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