JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — With three games left in the 2023 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars now are in crunch time to make the playoffs amplified by a three-game losing streak.
The 8-6 Jaguars headed three hours South to face a resurgent Tampa Bay Buccaneers team led by quarterback Baker Mayfield. The Jaguars dispatched two NFC South opponents this year, the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints, and they play the 2-12 Carolina Panthers.
The two teams chasing the Jaguars for the AFC South crown are also in action at 1 p.m. Sunday: The Indianapolis Colts (8-6) travel to Atlanta to play the Falcons and the Houston Texans (8-6) host the Browns.
The focus is again on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence who underwent concussion protocol this week after a 31-27 away loss to the Cleveland Browns. He had limited practice Friday, but the team announced he is traveling with the team.
On Friday, Head Coach Doug Pederson said a lot weighed on how Lawrence felt at practice.
"Most guys if you don’t clear usually by Friday, then you can’t risk putting a guy on the field this close to game time. That’s any player, just take the position out of it. He is trending in the right direction and hopefully things go well," said Pederson.
With Lawrence traveling with the team and practicing on game day, things are looking good for the Jaguars.
The following players are on the inactive list:
- Wide receiver Zay Jones
- Cornerback Gregory Junior
- Outside linebacker Yasir Abdullah
- Offensive lineman Chandler Brewer
- Defensive tackle Angelo Blackson
The Jaguars kick off at 4:05 p.m.
