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Trevor Lawrence, the quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, has successfully passed the NFL’s concussion protocol, clearing the way for him to join the team in their trip to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This development comes as a significant advantage for the Jaguars, who are aiming to break a three-game losing streak and maintain their position atop the AFC South.
Expected to take the starting position against the Buccaneers, Lawrence’s return follows a week of limited practice, culminating in his clearance by both team medical staff and the league’s independent neurological consultant. His concussion was suspected to have occurred during a crucial play in the team’s previous match against Baltimore, where concerns about his condition arose after a series of unsuccessful passes following the hit, prompting Lawrence to report symptoms post-game.
This quick recovery aligns with previous instances in the NFL where players, such as Brock Purdy, Amari Cooper, and Chris Olave, returned to play within a week after entering the concussion protocol. Despite multiple instances of being listed as questionable due to various injuries throughout his career, Lawrence has managed to consistently avoid missing a start, demonstrating his resilience through injuries like a sprained toe, knee, and high ankle sprain in past seasons.
The Jaguars’ roster has been further depleted by injuries to key players like left tackle Cam Robinson, along with Christian Kirk and Zay Jones among the receivers. Lawrence’s absence would have presented a substantial challenge for the team striving to secure consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in decades.
Highlighting Lawrence’s statistics this season, he has thrown for 3,525 yards, boasting 18 touchdown passes, and registering 10 interceptions. Additionally, he has contributed with four rushing scores, six fumbles, and has faced increased pressure from opposing defenses, being sacked a career-high-tying 32 times.
Despite the recent losing streak, the Jaguars maintain control of their playoff destiny due to favorable tiebreakers within their division. However, a loss in the upcoming game could potentially drop them from their first-place position for the first time since the third week of the season.
Coach Pederson expressed confidence in the team’s ability to handle adversity, drawing parallels to the previous year’s late-season surge after starting with a 3-7 record. Emphasizing the importance of strong performance and competitive spirit, Pederson acknowledged that the team’s resilience will ultimately shape their fate as they navigate the challenges ahead.