Bucs Gameday

Trevor Lawrence Enters Concussion Protocol, Status in Doubt vs. Buccaneers in Week 16

If Lawrence can't go, a game that already presents a huge opportunity for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will immediately become that much more attainable.

Collin Haalboom

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Coming off three consecutive victories and undoubtedly their most dominant performance of the 2023 season, Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are surging.

Following their 34-20 victory over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau on Sunday, the Bucs still hold the NFC South lead. Should they manage to keep their winning streak alive, and finish out the season atop the division, they would not only earn themselves a playoff berth, but they'd be hosting their first game at Raymond James Stadium.

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A lot needs to go right for that to happen. But the Buccaneers will control their own destiny. 

With just three games remaining in the season, Tampa Bay's toughest remaining test will come next week, with Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars (8-6) coming to Tampa. 

However, whether or not the Jags' star quarterback will actually be able to play in that game is a different story. During Sunday night's loss to the Ravens, Lawrence was whipped to the ground late in the game and was later diagnosed with a concussion. 

He has since been placed into the NFL's concussion protocol.

Appearing on Good Morning Football early Monday morning, NFL insider, Ian Rapoport, provided an update on Lawrence's status heading into Week 16. 

"We do not know how a player is going to react from a concussion. All concussions are different. But certainly this does open up the possibility that when the Jaguars play the Buccaneers next week, it is going to be C.J. Beathard. He did have one week this season when he took most of the reps and got ready of course when Trevor Lawrence was dealing with a high ankle sprain. Perhaps that will be of some assistance. But C.J. Beathard potentially going to start next week for the Jacksonville Jaguars." 

First and foremost, I hope Trevor Lawrence makes a full recovery as soon as possible. As we all know, head injuries are not to be taken lightly.  

At the same time, Lawrence's availability for next week's game vs. the Buccaneers has serious ramifications. Without him in the lineup, the Jaguars' offensive potential would see a precipitous drop-off. 

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It would be nice to see how the Buccaneers match up against a Jaguars team when their star quarterback is healthy and in the lineup. With Baker Mayfield really coming into his own this past Sunday, the matchup of two former first-overall picks would surely make for an entertaining clash on the field. 

If Lawrence can't go, a game that already presents a huge opportunity for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will immediately become that much more attainable. 

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Collin Haalboom
COLLIN HAALBOOM

Prior to joining BucsGameday and Sports Illustrated, Collin's written content was provided through Bucs Banter, and NFL Draft Lounge. He is also the creator and host of the Bucs Banter Podcast. He is a graduate of the Communication Studies program at McMaster University, where he was also a varsity basketball player, and later an advanced scout. He lives with his wife and two children in Hamilton, ON. You can follow Collin on YouTube and Twitter.