JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Wednesday, Jaguars' Head Coach Doug Pederson and backup quarterback C. J. Beathard met with the media. Pederson said starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence is still in concussion protocol.
That being said, C. J. Beathard is the "next man up." This isn't the first time Beathard has been in question to start as QB1 goes down. Lawrence had a knee injury at home against the Colts in the first half of the season. Then recently, an ankle injury.
Both times, Beathard was ready and up next. In fact, he finished the Jaguars' primetime game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Pederson says there is all the faith in the world in Beathard. However, Lawrence is who he would want on the field if he is healthy.
"You always leave the door open for the chance that Trevor clears. This has nothing to do with C.J. or the backup quarterbacks, but you want your starter to play, especially at the quarterback position," Pederson said Wednesday. "Internally, you prepare and C.J. does a great job of preparation. He knows the situation."
For Beathard, his role is the same as it's been all season.
"I’m taking a lot more reps in practice and stuff, but I’m preparing the same way. You got to prepare as if you’re going to be going, and hopefully, Trevor clears concussion protocol by the end of this week for sure,” said Beathard.
Lawrence did not practice on Wednesday.