Lawrence 'optimistic' to return for Jaguars' season opener

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is confident he'll be ready for the team's season opener.

"There's not really a set deadline on (return to play) just because we don't play a game until this fall," Lawrence said Wednesday. "I'm very optimistic I'll be perfectly good for the season."

The 25-year-old added that he's already throwing the football and working up to tossing longer distances.

Lawrence suffered a concussion after Houston Texans' linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair hit him in the head in December. As a result of the hit, the league suspended Al-Shaair for three games, and the Jaguars placed Lawrence on injured reserve. However, the star signal-caller underwent season-ending left shoulder surgery later in the month to repair a significant AC joint injury that had sidelined him for two games earlier in the campaign.

The quarterback has struggled with injuries throughout his career. Lawrence had surgery on the same shoulder in February 2021 before Jacksonville drafted him first overall. He also played through four injuries over the 2023 campaign, including an ankle sprain and further shoulder problems.

Lawrence's career with the Jaguars has been largely underwhelming. In four years with the club, he's compiled a 22-38 record, posting 69 touchdowns, 46 interceptions, and completing 63.3% of his passes. Lawrence's only playoff appearance with Jacksonville came in 2022.