Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence clears NFL concussion protocol and is expected to start vs the Bucs
Trevor Lawrence, the quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, passed the NFL’s concussion protocol on Saturday and will travel to Tampa Bay with the club.
Lawrence is expected to start against the Buccaneers (7-7) on Sunday, a huge boost for the Jaguars (8-6) as they try to end a three-game losing streak and stay atop the AFC South.
Lawrence practiced Friday for the first time all week and was later cleared by team doctors and the league’s independent neurological consultant.
During the team’s last drive in a 23-7 loss to Baltimore last Sunday, Lawrence was scumbling across the middle when the Jaguars believe he suffered a head injury. Following the collision, he misfired on seven of his last eight passes, a run of play that caused some concern for his health. Lawrence described his post-game symptoms.
There has been precedent for guys to play a week after entering the league’s concussion protocol, with San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy, Cleveland receiver Amari Cooper and New Orleans receiver Chris Olave gaining clearance before their next games.
Despite being doubtful to play on multiple occasions during the past two seasons, Lawrence managed to avoid missing a start for the first time in his three-year professional career. He overcame a damaged toe the previous season, a sprained knee in October, and a high ankle sprain in the last three weeks to continue playing.
The Jags already are without left tackle Cam Robinson (knee) and receivers Christian Kirk (groin) and Zay Jones (knee/hamstring). Playing without Lawrence would have been an entirely different obstacle to overcome for a franchise trying to make the playoffs in consecutive years for the first time since 1998-99.
Lawrence has thrown for 3,525 yards this season, with 18 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions. He also has four rushing scores and six fumbles, and he’s been sacked a career-high-tying 32 times.
Despite the skid, the Jaguars remain in control of their playoff destiny because of divisional tiebreakers against Houston and Indianapolis. A loss, though, likely would drop Jacksonville out of first place for the first time since Week 3.
Leave a Reply