JACKSONVILLE – Three games remain, and that's enough.

It's not enough to come close to salvaging the Jaguars' 2024 season, but Doug Pederson said three games can establish confidence and a tone moving forward.

"It's huge," Pederson said.

Pederson, in his third season as the Jaguars' head coach, spoke to the media Wednesday as the Jaguars (3-11) prepared to play the Las Vegas Raiders (2-12) at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, Sunday – a game between two teams long since eliminated from the postseason.

"The way we finish is the way we're probably going to start next season," Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allensaid.

The Jaguars started 8-3 last season after winning their last five regular-season games in 2023. They started this season 0-4 after losing five of their last six games last season.

"Finishing strong is important," Hines-Allen said. "We have to finish strong."

The Jaguars' last game against a team with a winning record was a 23-20 loss to the AFC South Champion Houston Texans on December 1. They beat the Tennessee Titans (3-11) the following week and lost to the 4-10 New York Jets this past Sunday.

They finish the season against the Raiders, home against the Titans (3-11) and at the Indianapolis Colts (6-8) – meaning their last five games could all be without postseason ramifications for either team.

"We know our situation, we got it," Pederson said. "We understand that. But I think these next three weeks really can set us up for the future, for the offseason, for next year and how we can build and where we need to add pieces and all of that kind of stuff, the development of our roster."

Pederson said the end of the season "can go one of two ways," with finding the right locker-room tine and culture critical.

"If the players don't have that mindset or if I don't have that mindset, it's going to set you back even further," Pederson said. "But if you come into it and you embrace it, those are the type of players you want. You want those football players that love being here in this building soaking up football, soaking up ball, love being on the grass.

"Those are the guys you can build your team around."

Pederson called the final three games "a big step forward" for young players moving into the 2025 season and called it important for the Jaguars to "finish the season the right way."

"Whether you're going to be a free agent or you're one of ours, you still want to put good film out there," Pederson said. "From a coaching perspective, gives you an idea of the type of player you drafted, brought on to your team, and then for the player, it gives him confidence going into the offseason.

"The better they play in these last couple of games will give them the confidence moving forward."

Pederson on Wednesday said toward that end he would like to see a rookie such as cornerback De'Antre Prince get increased opportunities in the final three games.

"I think it's good that he plays and minimizes the mistakes he makes," Pederson said.

NOTABLE

• Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence underwent successful surgery Tuesday on his sprained left – non-throwing – shoulder, Pederson said. "He's now on the road to recovery," Pederson said. Lawrence sustained the injury in a Week 9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, missed the ensuing two games, then was placed on injured reserve the Wednesday after sustaining a concussion in a Week 13 loss to the Texans. Lawrence, who cleared concussion protocol this past Sunday morning, was on the sidelines during the loss to the Jets at EverBank Field later that day with wide receiver Christian Kirk and tight end Evan Engram – the latter two of whom are also out for the season on injured reserve. "It was great for the guys because they were also engaging with the players, with their teammates and helping them, being a coach there." Pederson said. "It was just great to have all three of them there. We miss them all, but it was really a big lift offensively to have those three there." Engram underwent successful shoulder surgery Monday, and Pederson said both players – Lawrence and Engram – should "some point this spring be ready to go."

NOTABLE

• Tight end Brenton Strange practiced limited Wednesday with a sprained left AC shoulder joint, with Pederson saying Wednesday morning he should be fine to play Sunday. Left guard Ezra Cleveland (knee), right guard Brandon Scherff (knee/shoulder) and left tackle Walker Little (ankle) also practiced limited Wednesday. "We're in a pretty good spot" with injuries," Pederson said. "All are good for the game."