Doug Pederson reveals plan for Trevor Lawrence & starters in Jaguars preseason finale

The Jacksonville Jaguars held several key players, including Trevor Lawrence, in the 20-6 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2 of the 2024 NFL Preseason. Head coach Doug Pederson met with the local media ahead of the finale and revealed the plan for the star quarterback and the rest of the starters for the game.

Pederson told the media that he tends to play the starters in the third preseason games. This year will be no different.

"This third and final preseason game, we usually let the starters play a little bit more. Again, it depends on the circumstance and the way the game goes. But you'd love to get maybe two-quarters out of them. But we do take a look at Atlanta a little bit, and we simulate a game week schedule-wise, now that camp has broke."

Pederson continued, "That's probably the only reason you know these weeks are important to get the guys who are no longer in the hotel, they're living at home, transportation here, all that kind of stuff. It simulates and sort of feels like a game week."

On a related note, Pederson said that safety Darnell Savage, who's been limited in training camp while he recovers from shoulder surgery, is a full-go. On the other hand, C.J. Beathard will miss the finale after suffering a groin injury in the win against the Bucs while the team will hold out wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf) as a cautionary measure.

Later in the exchange, Pederson said that he encourages players vying for a roster spot to make the most of their chance against the Falcons.

"Guys like that who put that amount of snaps on film for us to evaluate for other teams when you get to cut downs that whatever happens, you have good tape out there, and that's why I just keep encouraging all our guys that are competing. Yes, you're competing for our roster, but there's 31 other teams that are looking as well. So always make the most of opportunities when you get the chance, Pederson said.

Here's Pederson's full exchange with the local media in case you want to give it a look.

The Jaguars are taking the right approach with Trevor Lawrence in the preseason finale

The Jacksonville Jaguars are striving for balance when it comes to Trevor Lawrence and the rest of the starters. On one hand, you don't want them to be rusty for the regular season opener. On the other hand, you don't want to expose them to injury in a game that won't count in the standings.

Many players will be trying to make a last impression against the Atlanta Falcons in the preseason finale, However, the Jags already know what they have in Lawrence and other core players such as Josh Hines-Allen, so it doesn't make much sense to give them reps when players on the fringe could benefit from them.

As Pederson pointed out, the coaching staff wants two quarters out of the starters but it wouldn't be shocking if they play less. Lawrence attempted four passes and completed three for a touchdown in the preseason opener. He'll get more than that against the Falcons probably around 10-15.

The Jacksonville Jaguars want to be as sharp as possible for their Week 1 game against the Miami Dolphins, but they also want to be healthy. That's why their strategy for the preseason finale makes sense.

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