(Jacksonville) Trevor Lawrence was still in the NFL’s concussion screening protocol Wednesday, meaning the Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing to play their first game without their star quarterback in three seasons.
Head coach Doug Pederson said Lawrence is “progressing well” but declined to speculate on whether he will play Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7).
“He’s still under protocol,” Pederson said. He is progressing well, but we must submit to each step; we can’t skip one. »
The Jaguars (8-6) believe Lawrence suffered a head injury while trying to escape the Baltimore Ravens’ defense on the Florida team’s final possession in a game that ended 23-7 on Sunday in favor of the Maryland club. Lawrence was inaccurate on seven of his last eight pass attempts after being tackled hard, a stretch that sparked a lot of concern about his health. Lawrence also admitted to having felt symptoms after the meeting.
Lawrence wouldn’t be the first player to return to the field a week after being put through the concussion screening protocol, however. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper and New Orleans Saints quarterback Chris Olave all got the nod ahead of their team’s next game.
If Lawrence doesn’t make it, then backup quarterback C.J. Beathard would get his first start since the 2020 season.