Mac Jones in line to start first game as Jaguars QB this week

Nearly a year after his last start, Mac Jones is in line to return to an NFL starting lineup this week. The former New England Patriots quarterback is the next man on the field in case of Jacksonville JaguarsTrevor Lawrence is actually being held out on Sunday with a shoulder injury.

According to one report by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Lawrence is considered “unlikely” to be cleared to play against Minnesota Vikings. The next man, of course, would be Jones.

The 15th overall pick by the Patriots in the 2021 NFL Draft, Jones showed considerable promise early in his rookie career. However, he seemed to hit a wall late that season and ultimately failed to develop into a franchise-caliber QB in New England.

After losing his starting job last November, the team’s new regime led by Eliot Wolf and Jerod Mayo — both of whom were part of the organization when it initially drafted Jones — decided to part ways. Jones was traded to Jacksonville for a sixth-round pick in 2024. He has appeared in two games for the club so far, going 6-for-9 as a passer for 28 yards.