Latest Trevor Lawrence injury update gives Jaguars fans reason for optimism

Maybe things aren't nearly as bad as they seem for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Sure, they're 2-9 following their BYE. However, they still have a chance to make the playoffs — as slim as it may be — and could potentially get their starting quarterback back for the divisional bout against the Houston Texans in Week 13.

Trevor Lawrence has been dealing with a shoulder sprain in recent weeks but is trending toward returning. Head coach Doug Pederson met with the local media Monday and said that the fourth-year quarterback will join practice, "Trevor's going to practice today, and we'll see where he's at from there."

Lawrence is dealing with a shoulder sprain that forced him to sit out the Jaguars' last two games. Both were losses, and their underwhelming showing on offense proved just how much they need the former Clemson Tiger. During his absence, backup Mac Jones mustered a measly 13 points.

Granted, Lawrence has been far from perfect and even got off to a slow start to the season. However, he played much better in recent weeks and kept the Jags in games before he got hurt.

Lawrence originally got hurt in Week 9, and there was speculation that he could undergo shoulder surgery, which would effectively bring his season to an end. But based on Pederson's comments and most recent updates, it looks like he'll return at one point in the upcoming weeks.

For the season, Lawrence has appeared in nine games, completing 61.3 percent of his throws for 2,004 yards with 11 touchdowns and six interceptions. Below is Doug Pederson's full exchange with the local media.

The Jaguars will need Trevor Lawrence if they want to salvage their season

There was chatter ahead of Week 11 that the Jacksonville Jaguars could dismiss Doug Pederson and Trent Baalke if the Chicago Bears beat them badly. They were embarrassed but owner Shad Khan opted not to make changes for the moment. Perhaps this will incentivize the Jags to finish the season strong, and having Trevor Lawrence back will only increase the chances of potentially making a run.

Currently, Jacksonville has less than a 1.0 percent chance of qualifying for the postseason, according to ESPN. However, its probability will increase to 20 percent if they run the table. That's not necessarily great odds but it's most definitely better than 1.0 percent.

For the sake of the argument, let's say Lawrence is back and the Jaguars do make a playoff push. Once they get a ticket, it won't matter how they got in. Then again, many things would have to go their way.

Apart from having to go 6-0 to end the season, the Jags would need the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts to lose at least three or four games the rest of the way. While it's possible, it's not a given that it will happen. On the other hand, nobody would've thought that Jacksonville would still be alive at this point of the season, and that should most definitely be a reason for optimism.

More Jaguars analysis here: