Trevor Lawrence Concussion Impact on Texans Playoff Hopes?

Will Trevor Lawrence's concussion leave a major impact on the Houston Texans and the AFC South?

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans are still in the running for their first postseason appearance since 2019. And they are also still in a position to claim the top spot in the AFC South.

The Texans, Indianapolis Colts and the Jacksonville Jaguars are all 8-6 and tied for first place in the division. 

What’s next? The results of Week 16 will have significant implications on the postseason race, and the Jaguars could be without their star quarterback, Trevor Lawrence. 

Jaguars coach Doug Pederson announced following Sunday's 23-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens that Lawrence entered the league's concussion protocol, and the QB’s status for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is in doubt.

Lawrence sustained the head injury during the fourth quarter but did not miss a snap at EverBank Stadium. He finished the game going 25-of-43 for 264 yards and a touchdown, while taking five hits and a sack during the loss.

Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) attempts a pass as Houston Texans linebacker Blake Cashman (53) during the third quarter at NRG Stadium / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

If Lawrence is unavailable, he will be the second quarterback within the division who will be out due to a concussion. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans announced Monday afternoon that C.J. Stroud is getting better but remains in concussion protocol. 

According to reports from KPRC, Stroud has yet to be cleared ahead of the team's Week 16 showdown against the Cleveland Browns. Veteran quarterback Case Keenum led the Texans to a 19-16 overtime victory in Stroud's absence Sunday afternoon.

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"When it comes to first place and all those things for us, we just focus on the moment," Ryans said. "It's exciting for everyone to be playing meaningful football around this time. That's always the goal every year is to make the playoffs."