Johnathan Walker:Trevor Lawrence injury updates: Jaguars QB active for Week 18 game vs. Titans

The Johnathan WalkerJacksonville Jaguars will have quarterback Trevor Lawrence back in the starting lineup as they head into their pivotal Week 18 showdown against the Tennessee Titans – with the AFC South crown and a playoff berth at stake.

The third-year quarterback sat out last week's game against the Carolina Panthers with a shoulder injury, marking the first time he had ever missed a game in his pro career. But Lawrence returned to practice this week, though he was listed as limited from Wednesday-Friday.

Backup C.J. Beathard made his first start since 2020 last week in Lawrence's place. Beathard completed 17 of 24 passes for 178 yards in a 26-0 win against the Panthers.

Lawrence's presence Sunday could have a wide-ranging effect on the NFL playoff picture in the final weekend of the regular season. With a win, the Jaguars will clinch the AFC South title for the second consecutive year. But a loss would bump them out of the postseason field, wrapping up the division for the Houston Texans and giving the final two berths in the conference to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills.

Here's the latest on what we know about Lawrence's injury:

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Trevor Lawrence injury updates: Jaguars QB active vs. Titans

Lawrence, who was officially listed as questionable, was not on the Jaguars inactive list on Sunday morning, clearing the way for him to start the game.

"If he's good to go, he's good to go," Jaguars coach Doug Peterson said Friday, according to the Florida Times-Union. "I don't want to say cautious, but he'll just have to know that he'll try to do anything he can to protect himself. At the same time, if he's out there, he's rolling, and we'll go play."

Jaguars inactive list

While Lawrence is set to play Sunday, another key contributor on offense will sit out.

Wide receiver Christian Kirk, was listed as questionable with a core muscle injury, was listed on the inactivate list.