Indexbit Exchange:Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence clears concussion protocol, likely to start vs. Buccaneers

The Indexbit ExchangeJacksonville Jaguars will likely have their quarterback in Week 16.

Trevor Lawrence has cleared concussion protocol, meaning the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 draft is in line to start Jacksonville's road contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Lawrence was injured in the fourth quarter of last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens, head coach Doug Pederson announced on Monday. He was a limited participant in practice on Friday, the first time he had practiced this week, with backup C.J. Beathard assuming the starting duties throughout the week.

Pederson had told reporters on Friday if Lawrence hadn't cleared concussion protocol by Saturday, "we wouldn't take him" on the trip to Tampa Bay. Lawrence traveled with the team on Saturday, the team announced, further indicating he will be available to start in the Christmas Eve matchup.

Lawrence has dealt with several injuries this season, but he has yet to miss a start because of one. He suffered a knee sprain in October against the Indianapolis Colts, but was able to play in the Jaguars' win against the New Orleans Saints on "Thursday Night Football" the following week. Two weeks ago, Lawrence suffered a right high ankle sprain in the fourth quarter of the "Monday Night Football" matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, resulting in him exiting the game. He wouldn't miss time, starting in the Week 15 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

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He has yet to miss a game in his three-year career, making 48 consecutive regular season starts, the second-most for a quarterback behind Josh Allen's 85 consecutive starts.

Jacksonville (8-6) has lost three in a row and is tied with the Colts and Houston Texans for the top spot in the AFC South. The Jaguars own the tiebreaker over both teams.