Jaguars' Week 11 Inactives: Lawrence and Bigsby Out

Sunday's Jaguars inactives were largely as expected. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Tank Bigsby, ruled out on Friday's final injury report, were among the seven players deactivated for their game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The Jaguars announced the inactives 90 minutes before kickoff.

Left guard Ezra Cleveland, listed as questionable on Friday, was active. However, defensive tackle Maason Smith, also listed as questionable, was inactive.

Mac Jones to Start Again for Jaguars

With starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence sidelined due to a shoulder injury, backup Mac Jones is set to make his second consecutive start for Jacksonville. This absence marks the first time Lawrence has missed consecutive games in his career. Lawrence's injury is an AC joint sprain in his non-throwing shoulder. Coach Doug Pederson expressed optimism about Lawrence's potential return after the team's Week 12 bye, stating, "We don't want to put a player out there that's not 100 percent, so we're going to rest him one more week."

Jones' performance in the previous game against the Minnesota Vikings was underwhelming, with 14 completions out of 22 passes for 111 yards, coupled with two interceptions and three sacks. He reflected on his performance, acknowledging the need to "get back to playing fundamental quarterback." He emphasized focusing on the basics: reading defenses, making smart decisions, and leading the team effectively.

Lawrence's Injury and Potential Impact

Lawrence's shoulder injury, a sprained AC joint, occurred in the first half of the Jaguars' Week 9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite the injury, he played through the game, a testament to his toughness and commitment. However, this latest absence raises concerns about the overall season outlook for the Jaguars, currently at 2-8. The injury has sparked speculation about possible surgery, which could end his season. However, this speculation has been downplayed by sources, with the focus on resting him during the bye week.

Bigsby's Absence Compounds Jaguars' Woes

The absence of running back Tank Bigsby further weakens the Jaguars' offensive potential. Bigsby's ankle injury kept him out of practice all week. This significant loss impacts the team's ability to establish a running game, especially crucial with a backup quarterback under center. Bigsby's season statistics reflect his importance to the Jaguars' offense, with 519 yards and four rushing touchdowns—an impressive feat at the midway point of the season. The Jaguars' offensive coordinator, Press Taylor, acknowledged the need to lean on the run game more effectively to help the team's success.

Impact on the Jaguars' Offensive Game Plan

Bigsby's absence is likely to significantly alter the Jaguars' offensive approach. With their running game compromised, the team will likely rely heavily on Jones' ability to manage the offense through the air. This is a challenging task given Jones' prior performance, while the absence of a consistent running attack puts added pressure on the offensive line and receiving corps to step up and ensure successful plays.

Looking Ahead: Jaguars' Playoff Hopes Diminish

The Jaguars’ Week 11 matchup against the Detroit Lions carries significant implications. Given their current record of 2-8, their playoff hopes are fading rapidly. The absence of key players like Lawrence and Bigsby further diminishes their chances, putting significant pressure on other players to step up. The team's performance against the Lions will be indicative of their ability to cope with these setbacks and possibly revive their hopes, though an upset against this strong Lions team would come as a significant surprise.

The upcoming bye week offers an opportunity for Lawrence and Bigsby to recover and potentially return for the game against the Houston Texans in Week 13. However, for this upcoming week, the Jaguars face a formidable challenge. The Lions are currently 8-1, a team that has defeated the Jaguars in their past four meetings. This upcoming game will be a true test of the team's resilience and ability to overcome adversity.

The Jaguars' defense has shown some positive signs, particularly their improved performance in securing turnovers recently, however, they face a difficult task against a Lions offense that is one of the top-scoring teams in the NFL. The Jaguars' success will depend on the team's ability to play their best football, maintain composure, and execute effectively on both sides of the ball. If they can not succeed against the Lions, it is likely they will end the season with a losing record and little chance of postseason success.