As quarterback Trevor Lawrence navigates the NFL’s concussion protocol, the big looming question heading into Sunday’s game in Tampa Bay is whether he will play or not.
So far, Lawrence has played through different leg and ankle injuries, but a concussion is a whole different beast.
Lawrence has been a part of the team at arm’s length, and can only do so much based on how his symptoms develop or decrease throughout the week.
His starting status for Sunday will be up in the air until further notice according to coach Doug Pederson.
“It is a tough decision, but the number one thing is making sure he is 100%,” Pederson said on Wednesday about whether or not to play Lawrence.
Beathard has started in the NFL before, and played for the Jags as recently as the Bengals’ game, but if Lawrence is cleared to play he will be the guy starting.
“You always leave the door open for the chance that Trevor clears,” Pederson said. “You want your starter to play. At the same time, internally, you prepare and C.J. does a great job of preparation.”
While Lawrence’s status waits in limbo, a handful of other Jaguars are coming along with their various injuries.
Receiver Zay Jones is “getting better” after a leg injury last week. Pederson said he is week to week. Defensive backs Tyson Campbell and Andre Cisco both practiced Wednesday, as did offensive linemen Ezra Cleveland and Walker Little. All four were limited.
Pederson spent much of his time talking about the need to reinvigorate the team’s run game, something he wanted to happen against the Baltimore Raven.
