Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence placed in concussion protocol, Nathan Rourke waived - 3DownNation

Trevor Lawrence enters concussion protocol after Jacksonville Jaguars waived Canadian third-stringer Nathan Rourke. Lawrence's injury could lead to Rourke's return.

Jacksonville Jaguars' starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence has been placed in concussion protocol following the team's decision to waive Canadian third-stringer Nathan Rourke.

The injury occurred during the team's 23-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night. Lawrence, 24, completed 25-of-43 passes for 264 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing four times for 41 yards and fumbling twice.

Rourke was waived on Saturday with the intention of returning him to the team's practice roster. According to NFL regulations, all 31 other teams have 24 hours to submit a claim for the 25-year-old before he can officially return to the Jags.

If Rourke clears waivers for the third time this season, he could be back on the active roster if Lawrence isn't ready to play next week. Rourke has been signed to the 53-man roster twice this year to take advantage of the NFL's emergency third-quarterback rule when Lawrence has been injured but has remained inactive on both occasions.

If Lawrence can't start, Rourke could be temporarily elevated from the practice roster to backup veteran C.J. Beathard, avoiding exposure to waivers for a fourth time when he is eventually sent back down.

Rourke was first waived by the Jaguars following training camp and has spent most of his first NFL season on the practice squad. During the preseason, he completed 65.7 percent of his passes for 348 yards with one touchdown and zero interceptions, while also rushing 14 times for 39 yards and one touchdown.

The pivot threw for 3,349 yards with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, and rushed for 304 yards and seven touchdowns over 10 games with the B.C. Lions in 2022. He was the first quarterback to be named the CFL's Most Outstanding Canadian since 1980 and helped the Lions reach the West Final despite playing with a lingering foot injury.

Lawrence has thrown for 3,525 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 14 starts this season. He has led the Jaguars to an 8-6 record, which places them in a three-way tie with the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans atop the AFC South.

Jacksonville has until Sunday, December 24 to sort out their quarterback situation when they visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7) at 4:05 p.m. ET.

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