Throughout the NFL preseason, many teams choose not to play their star players or starters in the exhibition games in an attempt to prevent injuries, and that’s especially true for the league’s quarterback. But it sounds like Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson is taking a different approach with Trevor Lawrence.
During a press conference this week, Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson announced that starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence would play some snaps this week when the team opens their NFL preseason against the Dallas Cowboys.
“I’m a big believer in the starters playing,” Pederson said according to Pro Football Talk. “I really feel like they need to feel that energy that comes with starting a football game. I did it last year with the guys and I anticipate right now him getting maybe a series or two this weekend.”
It’s a pretty bold decision from Pederson, and the NFL world had plenty to say about it on social media as many were not necessarily a fan of the decision.
Why though? https://t.co/dRDLbuINR5
— Couch (@BCBCouch) August 7, 2023
— Uncle Kev (@KSmithy850) August 7, 2023
Knock on wood for no season ending injury 🪵
— Chief Boujietariat (@evanflow80) August 7, 2023
Dumb
— kevin (@KevinRomeis) August 7, 2023
Whether or not the fans agree, Pederson seems to think that the experience gained by playing Lawrence during this game outweighs the risk of any injury.
We’ll have to see how it plays out.
