Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence practicing Friday, hasn't cleared concussion protocol yet

Although Trevor Lawrence remains in concussion protocol, he's trending in the right direction. The third-year quarterback is practicing Friday, opening the door to the possibility of suiting up for the Jacksonville Jaguars when they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16. Doug Pederson met with the local media and gave updates on Lawrence and other players.

"Still in, but part of protocol and where he's out in the stages, as he can practice today," Pederson said Friday. "That still doesn't mean he's cleared, you know, but part of it is to actually go through a practice, the stress and all that kind of stuff on him. So he'll be out there today and going through it."

Pederson later says Lawrence won't be limited and the team will give him all he can handle. He then added that he's not unsure if Lawrence needs to be cleared before the Jaguars travel to Tampa Bay for him to play. However, he says that he won't be available if he doesn't get clearance by Saturday.

Later in the exchange with the media, the head coach said cornerback Tyson Campbell, safety Andre Cisco and tight end Brenton Strange will play in Week 16.

"Brent has been good this week. feels good. I think he's good to go. Tyson, and Cisco had good days yesterday. We'll get them a bunch of time today, the number of reps we have, and see where they're at. Optimistic that they can play," Pederson said.

Campbell suffered a groin injury in the loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and Cisco hurt his hamstring against the Cleveland Browns in Week 14. Strange, for his part, has missed the last three bouts after suffering a foot injury in practice.

On the other hand, Pederson says that wide receiver Zay Jones won't probably be available Sunday. Jones has been dealing with a hamstring injury and hasn't practiced this week.

The odds of Trevor Lawrence playing vs. the Buccaneers are better than a coin flip

Head coach Doug Pederson categorizes Trevor Lawrence's chances of playing as better than those of a coin flip but notes that he will either pass or fail to be cleared when it comes to the protocol. Then again, he must feel good about Lawrence's odds of being cleared for him to say that they're better than 50/50.

This goes against what insider Ian Rapoport reported late Thursday Night.
Rapoport said that Lawrence was unlikely to play Sunday because he hadn't practiced. While he was right the star quarterback had missed practice, it's not unheard of for players to suit up despite not practicing on the days preceding the game. Just recently, wide receiver Amari Cooper suited up against the Jags even though he hadn't practiced on the days prior to the game.

If Steezy Trev ultimately can't go, C.J. Beathard will get the starting nod. The backup says that it's been usual for him, as he always needs to prepare as if he's going to start. That said, he acknowledges that getting extra reps in practice helps him work on his timing with his receivers.

All eyes will be on Trevor Lawrnece's availability ahead of Sunday. But whether he plays or not in Week 16, the Jacksonville Jaguars must show out if they want to avoid extending their losing skid to four games.

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