Oddsmakers in Las Vegas are busy resetting their lines for tomorrow’s Bucks vs. Jaguars game. Because we have some breaking news about one of the most important players on either team. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has cleared concussion protocol and is scheduled to travel to Tampa to play against the Bucs on Christmas Eve. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said so.
sauce: #jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and will travel to Tampa with the team. It’s an important development. pic.twitter.com/mBGySEllmy
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 23, 2023
The Bucs could face a talented young quarterback.
Lawrence suffered a concussion in Week 15 against the Baltimore Ravens and continues to receive treatment. This was on the heels of a high ankle sprain he suffered in a game against the Cleveland Browns just a week earlier. Lawrence did not participate in practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but participated on a limited basis in Friday’s practice. According to the team’s Friday injury report. Passing concussion protocol was the next hurdle in Lawrence’s uphill battle that begins Sunday. By passing protocols, he was cleared to travel to Tampa with the team.
Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Traveling with a team is a big step forward, but it’s not the final step. Depending on how Lawrence feels Sunday morning or afternoon, the team could elect not to start Lawrence against the Bucks. Teams do not have to reveal who is active or inactive until 90 minutes before kickoff. The game is a late game starting at 4:05 p.m., and the city of Jacksonville doesn’t have to reveal whether Lawrence is active until 2:35 p.m. on Christmas Eve. And even if Lawrence is active, the team may elect to start CJ Beathard, who did not play in the 31-27 loss to the Browns but did not play in the game against the Ravens, as a backup starter. Just last week, the Seattle Seahawks suited up starting QB Geno Smith for Monday Night Football’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles, but decided to go with Drew Lock as Smith’s backup. The team kept Smith’s status unknown through the publication of the inactive list. Lock went on to lead Seattle to a thrilling last-minute come-from-behind 20-17 victory.
The Jaguars need this win just as much as the Bucks, as they are currently tied for third in the AFC South. As a result, the team may end up using Lawrence at less than 100% than his career backup.Lawrence started Appeared in 48 consecutive games Start your NFL career.