Jaguars Quarterback Trevor Lawrence Unlikely to Play Against Buccaneers

The Buccaneers will likely be seeing a shorthanded Jaguars squad as starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence is dealing with a concussion.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, riding a three-game winning streak, take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Raymond James Stadium on Sunday as they look to improve to an above-.500 record. In doing so, they could be facing a shorthanded Jaguars team. 

Jaguars starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence is in concussion protocol and did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, meaning he'll likely be watching his team from the sideline on Sunday as the 8-6 Jaguars take on the 7-7 Buccaneers.

“Generally, if a quarterback or really any player is not able to practice Wednesday and not able to practice Thursday, almost always that means a player will not be able to progress fast enough through concussion protocol to be able to play on Sunday,” Ian Rapoport said on NFL Game Day Kickoff.

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This move would leave veteran backup quarterback C.J. Beathard to start for the Jaguars. Considering the form the Buccaneers' offense has been in the past few weeks, the Jaguars might struggle to keep up offensively in this one.

Again, the same holds some weight on both sides. The Buccaneers are in a position to win out and make the playoffs as they lead the NFC South at 7-7 this season. They can afford to lose a game but would be in much better shape if they take care of business this weekend as short favorites.

On the other side, the Jaguars are tied for the top of the AFC South with the lead via tiebreaker. This game means just as much for them as it does for the Buccaneers. 

This game becomes substantially easier for the Buccaneers' defense if Lawrence doesn't play, as the Jaguars take a big hit. Still, the Buccaneers will have to play sound defense and come up with some big stops to let Baker Mayfield and the offense go out and win the game. 

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