Competition for Jaguars backup quarterback position continues

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said Thursday that Lawrence will not play against the Buccaneers at EverBank Stadium in the second week of the preseason on Saturday. Pederson did not say whether Beathard or Jones will start, adding that the two are expected to split time and each play one half.

“It’s been a close one, actually,” Pederson said Thursday. “Mac being added was great for that room. It was great for CJ. Both guys have embraced the challenge. We’ve been upfront with both guys and explained exactly what camp was going to look like and I think they’re both three or four reps away from having a 50-50 split right down the middle. So it’s been good. It’s been good competition.”

Pederson also praised Beathard’s approach in working with Jones during the offseason program and training camp.

“CJ has been a very positive influence on Mac, just learning the system,” Pederson said. “That’s something you don’t see. When someone is challenging you for your position and you see another player coaching him a little bit, that’s encouraging and positive. But both of those guys have done a great job.”

Jones said Beathard’s approach reflects what he called a “great” quarterback room.

“We’re brothers and that’s what you want,” he said. “We want to exchange ideas and compete every day. It’s like three brothers playing ball. We compete in that aspect. But at the end of the day, we’re on the same team. We’re all working toward a common goal. Every good team I’ve been on has been like that. The bad teams, not so much.”

And while both are aware of the competition heading into the final two preseason games, Beathard said Thursday: “I try not to make a bigger deal out of it than it is.”

“Every day you try to do the best you can and give your best,” he said. “The more important the moment is, I feel like the more stress you put on yourself and there’s no need for that. After eight years, I’ve seen and been through a lot. So I feel like I’m mature in that sense.”

Jones said: “I’m not trying to put too much pressure on these games. They’re two very important games so you have to understand that. I’m looking forward to competing. It’s not going to be perfect but you have to learn from it and keep building momentum throughout the season.”