Early in the week, news broke that Lawrence was very unlikely to go, in week 10. That sentiment held for the next few days, until the very end of the week, when rumors started to spread that the 2021 No. 1 overall pick might be able to suit up Sunday afternoon.

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Trevor Lawrence officially ruled out vs Minnesota Vikings

But now, as we all wake up on game day morning, the final decision has been made on Trevor Lawrence vs the Vikings. He’s a no-go. Instead, defensive coordinator Brian Flores will be tasked with slowing 2021 No. 15 overall pick, Mac Jones.

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence, listed as questionable for Sunday due to a left shoulder injury, will not play vs. the Vikings, per source. The question is whether Lawrence will make it back for next Sunday vs. the Lions or whether the team will give him one more week off with… pic.twitter.com/6dqxcXnhVw

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 10, 2024

What does this mean for the Minnesota Vikings defense? Well, they were -4 point favorites earlier this week. That has now surged to -7. So, for what it’s worth, Vegas thinks Lawrence is worth three more points than Jones.

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On the season, Trevor Lawrence ranks 17th in the NFL, with 222.7 yards per game (11 TD, 6 INT). For context, Sam Darnold ranks 13th, with 237.5 pass yards per game (17 TD, 7 INT). Last season, as a starter for the New England Patriots, Mac Jones averaged 192.7 yards per game (10 TD, 12 INT).

Minnesota Vikings to face another backup against Jaguars

Trevor Lawrence appeared on the Jacksonville Jaguars injury report with a left-shoulder issue on Wednesday. That’s what initially brought his availability against the Vikings into question. Now, reports suggest that even surgery could be on the table, and he almost certainly won’t be under center this Sunday.

No surgery scheduled, Jay. There are several options immediate and down the road. That's one of them. He's considered day-to-day with a left shoulder.

But as he considers these options, Trevor Lawrence will likely not play Sunday. Mac Jones is the backup. https://t.co/xHnfzRUA1q

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 7, 2024

Trevor Lawrence has yet to reach that superstar level, he was supposed to reach, when drafted No. 1 overall in 2021. This season, the Jaguars QB1 has a rather disappointing 61.3% completion percentage. He’s thrown 11 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.

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Still though, Pederson would prefer Lawrence over Mac Jones, who is expected to replace him. Jones, who was also drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft (by the Patriots), has already played in two games this season for the Jags. Jacksonville also signed C.J. Beathard, a long-time Jags backup, from the Miami Dolphins practice squad.

#Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence is expected to be limited at practice today.

Here he is throwing in the white helmet team will wear this Sunday against the Vikings. pic.twitter.com/uZDGRVE7S9

— Demetrius Harvey (@Demetrius82) November 6, 2024

Related: Minnesota Vikings Injury Report: Blake Cashman Returns to Practice

Mac Jones started against the Minnesota Vikings back in 2022, while with New England. The Vikings bested Bill Belichick’s squad that night, but Jones went 28-of-39 for 382 yards and a pair of touchdowns. To be fair, that came against Ed Donatell’s defense, not Brian Flores’.

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Minnesota must use the Lawrence news to their advantage. Brian Flores can wreak havoc on Jones and have the defense swarming him all game. It’s also an opportunity for Cam Robinson to get a quick win against his former team.