Report: Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence clears concussion protocol ahead of Christmas Eve game

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has cleared a major hurdle ahead of Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Lawrence is no longer in concussion protocol, according to a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

“Source: Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and will travel to Tampa with his team. A significant development,” Rapoport posted on Twitter.

Trevor Lawrence has been in concussion protocol since the conclusion of Sunday night’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. He was already banged up entering the game against Baltimore after suffering an ankle injury the previous week against the Bengals.

Lawrence was able to suit up against the Ravens, even if he was less than 100 percent. But he ended up suffering a concussion during the game.

Jaguars coach Doug Pederson provided an update on Lawrence earlier this week after being asked if he will play against Tampa Bay.

“It’s a tough decision. The No. 1 thing is making sure that he’s 100 percent and he has been cleared by all the specialists,” Pederson said. “And then you have to make a decision as a team and see where he’s at, too. But it definitely makes it harder.”

Trevor Lawrence is completing 66 percent of his passes this season. He has thrown for 3,525 yards and 18 touchdowns, with 10 interceptions.

If Lawrence is unable to go, CJ Beathard will start in his place. The veteran backup completed 9 of 10 passes for 63 yards against the Bengals earlier this month.

“Even the games where the starter isn’t banged up or whatever, just preparing like you might have to go into the game. That’s just kind of what you have to do,” Beathard said. “So at this point it’s really just a mindset. I feel like this year I’ve gotten to practice a lot more than years past as far as with the starters when Trev has missed a couple of practices here or there.

“It’s only benefited me and helped me in the long run, getting reps with certain guys and that kind of stuff.”

Sunday’s game is an important one for the Jacksonville Jaguars. There is currently a three-way tie in the AFC South For the division lead. In addition to Jacksonville, the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texas are also 8-6.

As for Tampa Bay, the Bucs are at the top of the NFC South rankings with a 7-7 record. Tampa Bay leads the Saints by half a game.