Jaguars QB Mac Jones Will Make the Start for the Jaguars in Week 11

Nov 13, 2024 at 05:39 PM

John Oehser

Jaguars Senior Writer

JACKSONVILLE – Where last week there was uncertainty, this week there is none.

Trevor Lawrence will miss a second consecutive start at quarterback for the Jaguars this week, with Head Coach Doug Pederson announcing the decision Wednesday.

"He's getting close," Pederson said of Lawrence.

Mac Jones will start a second consecutive game in place of Lawrence when the Jaguars (2-8) play the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions (8-1) – winners of their last seven games – at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich., Sunday.

"Every week is a new week and you can just take a deep breath and attack each day," Jones said. "Today, we're focused on practice, walkthroughs and meetings."

Lawrence, the Jaguars' starter in 59 of his first 60 regular-season games from 2021-2024, missed a 12-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at EverBank Stadium this past Sunday. He practiced on a limited basis all three days in practice leading to that game after sustaining a left-shoulder injury in a road loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 9.

"You guys know how I am with injuries: We don't want to put a player out there who's not 100 percent," Pederson said of Lawrence. "We're going to rest him one more week."

The Jaguars have their bye week next week before a home game against the AFC South-leading Houston Texans on December 1. Pederson said Lawrence's status for that game remains uncertain.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Minnesota Vikings

QB Mac Jones (10)

"It's still a question mark, but I'm optimistic," Pederson said, also reiterating what he said on Monday that that surgery for Lawrence hasn't been discussed.

"I have no idea where it's coming from," he said of reports that surgery is being considered.

Jones, a starter for the New England Patriots the past three seasons who was acquired by the Jaguars in a trade this past offseason, completed 14 of 22 passes for 111 yards and no touchdowns with two interceptions and a lost fumble against the Vikings.

"You can definitely watch the tape and learn from it," Jones said. "It's the NFL. You have to be ready to play the next week. It's really a one-week league. You just have to change the narrative and be ready."

Jones' three turnovers came on the Jaguars' final series with Jaguars within one score on all three possessions.

"There are a lot of things to work on throughout the game, but it boils down to finishing better by me," Jones said. "I left three plays out there. If you change those three plays, maybe the outcome's a little different. That's how I'm looking at it. That's the truth. I'm going to learn from it and move on.

"I've been here before, which is tough. You have one choice, and that's to get up and keep going. That's what I'm going to do – lead the team and show confidence."

Pederson called confidence in Jones "high."

"He's excited to have another opportunity," Pederson said. "It's obviously a chance for him to rebound from last week. As a team, it's the same way: Rally around him, support him and get ready to play a really good football team.

"He has been in big games before. He knows how to handle them. I would expect he's going to rebound this week, learn from it – as we all are – and move forward."

Pederson praised Jones' approach.

"He's a veteran quarterback." Pederson said. "He has played. He has started in this league. He knows how to handle that. Leadership-wise, you see him connect with the players on and off the field – and with us as coaches as well. He communicates with us when it comes to the game plan, what he likes and doesn't like.

"And then his overall work ethic, how he prepares for these games, really gives him the best opportunity playing in these games."

NOTABLE

Rookie defensive tackle Maason Smith (ankle) and starting left guard Ezra Cleveland (ankle) both practiced on a limited basis Wednesday after missing the loss to the Vikings. Cleveland has missed the last two games and Smith has missed the last four games, with the ankle issue keeping Smith out the last three games.
Smith and Cleveland were among 10 Jaguars players practicing limited Wednesday, with the others: Cornerback Tyson Campbell (shoulder), wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder), offensive lineman Blake Hance (knee), defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (shoulder), right guard Brandon Scherff (knee), wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (chest), running back D'Ernest Johnson (hamstring) and safety Daniel Thomas (hamstring).Second-year running back Tank Bigsby did not practice because of an ankle injury. Running back Keilan Robinson (toe) practiced full and his window to return from injured reserve remains open.

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Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (0) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on November 13, 2024.