Jaguars HC Doug Pederson talks team's focus, injuries heading into Week 8 vs. Steelers

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson understands how tough of a matchup his team has this weekend and sent a message to the team Wednesday morning about getting right back on the horse after an extended break between games.

There isn't any room for slacking as the Jaguars get set for their Week 8 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers following a 10-day break after a Thursday Night Football win over the New Orleans Saints.

"Because that's my job to make sure they don't [lose focus]. That was the message this morning and we gotta get right back on it today in practice," Pederson said Wednesday morning.

"Just understanding the type of team we're playing this week, they've beaten some really good football teams this year already. They play hard, they play physical and I'll tell you, if you're not ready for this one, it's gonna be a long day up in Pittsburgh."

The Steelers enter this week 4-2 and have wins against the Cleveland Browns, the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Rams.

The Jaguars are coming off of a 19-day journey that includes four games in two different continents and four different cities or towns. They've won all four and are 5-2 for the first time since the 2007 season.

Pederson said that Wednesdays are used as the first day of the week during game weeks to give the players a message heading into Sunday.

"You try to set the tone for the week and kind of your expectations and things of that nature," said Pederson, explaining that after the coaches set the tone, the onus turns to the players to continue it, feeding them bits of info throughout the course of the week.

"You've gotta enjoy the process as you go," Pederson said responding to a question of his ability to keep things light when sending a message.

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence echoed Pederson's sentiments, indicating that the team is "very mature."

"We understand what's at stake. This week and every week moving forward," said Lawrence.

"I mean, every game is critical. It's crucial. So, especially playing a team like Pittsburgh, that's a good team, AFC, all those things. So, you understand that it's a big game every week, but you definitely have to get kind of back in the groove this week after a couple of days off."

Zay Jones, Walker Little and Tyson Campbell set to practice this week

After missing multiple games, the Jaguars should be getting back a couple of their key players this week, at least for practice.

Pederson stated Wednesday that the group of defensive lineman DaVon Hamilton, receiver Zay Jones, offensive lineman Walker Little and cornerback Tyson Campbell should be at practice this week, though he didn't give an indication of whether or not they'll play against Pittsburgh.

Hamilton has not played this year due to an ailment related to his back. Meanwhile, Jones and Little have missed the last two games with knee injuries. Jones has missed four total games this year.

"I anticipate them doing something in practice and we'll go with that," said Pederson. When asked how Jones, Little and Hamilton were doing, Pederson responded with just one word: "great."

Ultimately, all four players are going to take part in some form of practice this week. Jones was not seen during the media availability portion of practice, however, the other three were in attendance.

Campbell will be at practice, but Pederson indicated that he will likely be limited at points throughout the week.

Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @Demetrius82.

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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars' Pederson talks injuries, team mindset ahead of Steelers game