In his three-plus NFL seasons, Trevor Lawrence has missed just one game.
That total will double this week.
As expected, Lawrence has been ruled out for the Jacksonville Jaguars' home game Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Mac Jones will start in Lawrence's place.
Lawrence, 25, is being sidelined by an injured left shoulder, which he sustained during the Jags' Week 9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He opened the practice week Wednesday as a limited participant, but by Thursday, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport had reported the 2021 NFL Draft's No. 1 overall pick was unlikely to play.
In 2023, Lawrence missed Week 17 due to an AC joint sprain and is now missing in action once more with a shoulder ailment.
Through nine starts this season, Lawrence has put up 2,004 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions, producing an 87.9 QB rating, the lowest since his rookie campaign. While he's struggled at times, Lawrence's absence will still be massive for a Jaguars team aiming to save face in a so-far disastrous season.
With Lawrence out, Jones is in, making his first start since Week 12 of last season with the New England Patriots, who selected him at 15th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. At the least, there should be some lively support in Duval for Jones, a Jacksonville native.
Jones, 26, has appeared in two games this year for Jacksonville, completing 6 of 9 passes for 28 yards.
In a trying season for the Jaguars, Lawrence's designation is the latest misfortune. Perhaps it will be an opportunity for Jones to offer a glimpse of reclamation.
The 2-7 Jaguars host the Vikings (6-2) at 1 p.m. ET Sunday.
