Recent report increases Vikings chances of blowing out Jaguars in Week 10

The Minnesota Vikings may have caught a break when they travel to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 10 as NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport says that quarterback Trevor Lawrence is unlikely to play in Sunday’s game due to a shoulder injury.

Rapoport posted the news on Thursday morning when he said Lawrence continues to get treatment on his non-throwing (left) shoulder. Rapoport also says that Lawrence will weigh options for the future although he shot down a post by former NFL head coach Jay Gruden saying that Lawrence will undergo surgery for the injury.

While Lawrence hasn’t been ruled out, his availability for Sunday’s game has been in question. Lawrence was limited in practice on Wednesday and Doug Pederson was unclear about his status, saying he was “sore” with an “upper-body injury.” He went on to say that he could not answer if Lawrence would play based on Wednesday’s practice.

Minnesota Vikings catch a huge break with report about Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence

Missing Lawrence would be a huge win for the Vikings even before the ball is kicked off at EverBank Stadium. The Jaguars’ franchise quarterback and No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Lawrence has thrown for 13,774 yards, 69 touchdowns, and 45 interceptions in his career, leading to a five-year, $275 million contract extension this past offseason.

Lawrence hasn’t had a great season to follow up that contract, however, as he’s thrown for 2,004 yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions with a 61.3 completion percentage this season. The Jaguars also haven’t risen above Lawrence’s play, sitting in last place of the AFC South at 2-7 entering Sunday’s game with the Vikings.

If Lawrence can’t play, the Jaguars will turn to another quarterback from the 2021 draft class, Mac Jones. Jones, who was selected with the 15th overall pick in that draft, was acquired from the New England Patriots last offseason after compiling an 18-24 record as a starter and throwing for 46 touchdowns and 36 interceptions.

Jones also has a strong game against the Vikings on his resume with 382 yards and two touchdowns during a Thanksgiving loss in Minnesota in 2022. But that was against former Vikings defensive coordinator Ed Donatell, who led one of the worst defenses in the league before getting fired the following offseason.

The Vikings have their own injury issues as linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. did not practice with a knee injury on Wednesday, but Blake Cashman was a limited participant after missing the past three games, and edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel should return after a non-injury-related rest day.

It should give current Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores a lot to play with as he prepares for the Jaguars and could help the Vikings improve to 7-2 with a win on Sunday.

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