JACKSONVILLE – The Jaguars likely are getting their quarterback back.

Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars' starting quarterback, is expected to start against the Houston Texans at EverBank Stadium Sunday, Head Coach Doug Pederson said Friday. He officially was listed as questionable on the team's final injury report of the week Friday.

"He's had a good week," Pederson said.

Lawrence, who started the first nine games of the season, missed the last two games before a Week 12 bye week with a left-shoulder injury. He practiced on a limited basis all three days this week as the Jaguars (2-9) prepared to play the Texans (7-5) Sunday.

"He's obviously done some really good things this week," Pederson said late Friday morning. "I would say as of right now, 'Yes. He will play.' We'll get through today, Friday, Saturday, but he's had a good week."

The Jaguars enter Sunday with four consecutive losses, losing to the Detroit Lions by a score of 52-6 a week before a Week 12 bye.

"I think anytime you get your starting quarterback back out there, that gives you a little energy and all of that," Pederson said of Lawrence's return. "It's a positive."

Pederson said if Lawrence plays Sunday he will be "full go."

"You don't want your quarterback to get hit anyway," Pederson said. "You just have to be conscious of moving around or too many designed runs or anything like that. If he's cleared to play, we go play. Can't worry about getting hit or taking a shot or anything like that."

Pederson said Mac Jones will remain the backup quarterback. Jones, acquired in an offseason trade with the New England Patriots in March, threw three interceptions and no touchdowns in two starts for Lawrence – a 12-7 loss to the Minnesota Lions and the loss to the Lions.

Pederson, who spoke of the Jaguars needing a bye week following the Lions loss, said he felt a shift in energy in preparation this week.

"I've seen the guys respond to the time away and come back a little focused and energized and excited about what's ahead, and just the opportunity to play this weekend," he said.

QUOTABLE

• Pederson on the Jaguars this week signing offensive lineman Tyler Shatley to the practice squad,with Shatley having played for the Jaguars from 2014-2023 before being released before the start of the 2024 regular season: "All along, we felt like we wanted to keep Tyler around. He's meant a lot to this organization. He's done some great things for us even in the last couple of years, having to play and step in and fill a role. It's just a way to get him back on the team and obviously gives us depth at the offensive line. If this were to be his last year – I'm not putting words in his mouth – but it gives him an opportunity to be a part of the organization that gave him a chance."

NOTABLE

• Second-year linebacker Yasir Abdullah missed practice for a third consecutive day Friday and was ruled out for Sunday on the final injury report of the week. He was the only Jaguars player ruled out for Sunday.
• Three players listed on the injury report this week – cornerback Tyson Campbell (shoulder), right guard Brandon Scherff (knee/shoulder) and running back Tank Bigsby (ankle) – were listed without a status and are therefore expected to be available Sunday.