Trevor Lawrence has missed the last two games due to a shoulder injury that he suffered in the Week 9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback has a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder.
With the team sitting at 2-9 on the season, Lawrence was expected to miss a few more games. However, the former first-overall pick is tracking in the right direction toward playing in Week 13. Jaguars fans are not happy with Doug Pederson’s decision to risk the quarterback’s health.
Fans React to Doug Pederson Playing Trevor Lawrence in Week 13
Since the Jaguars have nothing to play for, and losing more games will give them a higher draft pick, fans believe Lawrence should not start unless he is fully healthy. Pederson, who is under immense pressure, is trying to save his job, but his decision to play the star quarterback was not welcomed by the fans on social media. Here’s how they reacted:
We are 2-9 man why are we risking this ffs https://t.co/WEYpg5gQxY
— JaydenGotPacked_🏴🐆◣ ◢ (SZN over) (@fedsgotJayden) November 30, 2024
“Doug’s final gift as he walks out the door is Lawrence getting a season-ending injury by allowing him to play for absolutely no reason,” said one fan.
“Doug ruining Trevor’s career on his way out,” said another fan.
Doug is trying to ruin him just like Wentz. QB killer.
— Papi Grande (@PapiGrande904) November 30, 2024
Another fan added, “It’s a lost season. Why risk it other than to save your own job?”
“This is a lost season, and Doug Pederson needs to sit him to protect him,” wrote one fan.
DONT DO IT @Trevorlawrencee https://t.co/V9OgOiATTY
— Chris (@hovaaaaaaa) November 30, 2024
Lawrence signed a five-year, $275 million contract extension with the Jaguars before the start of the season. This year has been a complete disaster for Jacksonville, and it is set to miss the playoffs for the second straight season.
The Jaguars quarterback had a breakout season two years ago, his first with Pederson. The team was expected to take a leap after that season, but everything has gone downhill since then. The AFC South franchise had the first overall pick in 2021 and 2022, and the way this season has gone for them, they have a fair shot at landing the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft as well.
In nine games this year, Lawrence has thrown for 2,004 yards, 11 touchdowns, and six interceptions, completing 61.3% of his throws. He hasn’t been their biggest problem, as their defense has been embarrassing. The Jaguars’ defense is currently the second-worst scoring defense and worst passing defense in the league and is giving up the most yards from scrimmage per game.
Jaguars Should Target Bill Belichick in 2025
Jacksonville is all but certain to make a change after this season. Lawrence, at his worst, is still a decent enough quarterback who can win games for his team. Pairing him with a head coach who can bring the best out of the team’s defense and instill a disciplined culture will be ideal for the team.
Bill Belichick is expected to attract interest from multiple teams around the league in the next coaching cycle, and he could be the right man for the Jaguars.
The former New England Patriots head coach is by far the best defensive-minded head coach in the league and will instantly fix the Jags’ defensive woes. Moreover, if he brings Josh McDaniels alongside him to be the team’s offensive coordinator, it will be the best-case scenario for Lawrence.
Apart from their quarterback, the Jaguars have players like Brian Thomas Jr., Evan Engram, Travis Etienne Jr., and Tank Bigsby on offense, with whom McDaniels can work and build a solid offense.
It’s no secret that Pederson’s days in Jacksonville are numbered, but fans will hope that the decision to rush Lawrence back from injury doesn’t result in a long-term injury for the 25-year-old quarterback.