Trevor Lawrence clears concussion protocol, keeps lengthy streak intact with key matchup ahead

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s streak of consecutive games played remains intact after the former No. 1 overall pick cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The third-year signal-caller is slated to start Sunday’s game versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after only practicing Friday on a limited basis.

Lawrence suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter of a 23-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens last week, in the Jaguars’ first home Sunday night game since 2008.

He will make his 49th straight start, which continues the trend of Lawrence not missing a game due to injury, dating back to high school.

The Jaguars lead the AFC South at 8-6, but division foes in the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans possess similar records. This season, the Jaguars have split with the Texans and swept the Colts.

It’s been an injury-filled campaign for the 6-foot-6 quarterback. Lawrence sprained his left knee against the Colts on Oct. 15 and then had a high ankle sprain against the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 4.

With three games remaining in the NFL season, he’s on pace to be sacked more than 32 times, which would be the most since his rookie season. Lawrence was expected to ascend this season with the addition of wide receiver Calvin Ridley to a talented receiving corps, but that hasn’t been the case. This season, he has 3,525 yards for 22 total touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

The Jaguars end the season with matchups versus the Carolina Panthers and Tennessee Titans and will need Lawrence to win their second consecutive division title.