Jaguars backup QB preparing to start with Trevor Lawrence idle

Jacksonville Jaguars backup quarterback C.J. Beathard is preparing to play this week with starter Trevor Lawrence in concussion protocol.

But Lawrence was present at the team facility on Wednesday and Beathard noted he appears to be improved over the past few days.

"He's doing better," Beathard said Wednesday. "He's in the building today."

Beathard could get the call after Lawrence finished the contest Sunday night against the Ravens but entered concussion protocol because of symptoms he experienced after the game. The loss dropped Jacksonville to 8-6 and into a three-way tie with the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans in the AFC South.

"Right now I'm preparing as if I'm starting on Sunday. ... If we get news that (Trevor) clears the protocol, that's great news," Beathard said.

The gameplan for the Jaguars does differ, but only slightly according to Beathard, if Lawrence doesn't receive medical clearance to make the start at Tampa Bay on Christmas Eve.

"We like a lot of the same stuff," Beathard said.

Back-to-back road wins at Atlanta and Green Bay lifted the Buccaneers to 7-7 on the season and into first place in the NFC South. Tampa Bay has won three consecutive games.

"Momentum is coming with winning," head coach Todd Bowles said. "The urgency is there. We know we have to win out to get to the playoffs; that's been our mindset since we played Carolina. That's our mindset this week, as well, against a good Jacksonville team."

—Field Level Media