Jaguars quarterback C.J. Beathard won’t play in the club’s 2024 preseason finale at Atlanta after suffering a groin injury during Jacksonville’s Saturday victory over Tampa Bay, according to head coach Doug Pederson.
Beathard exited the matchup after completing five-of-seven passes for 40 yards, all in the second half after Mac Jones started the game against the Buccaneers.
“Groin, [Beathard] re-injured that one,” Pederson said. “He’ll miss this week.”
Beathard had previously hurt his groin during Jacksonville’s 2022 training camp, which led him to be carted off the practice field.
Jones re-entered the game after going 11-of-18 passing for 144 yards and one touchdown in the first half, completing all five of his throws for 66 yards and another score. He finished the contest 16-of-23 for 210 yards and two touchdowns.
With one week left in the preseason and Jones and Beathard’s competition for the Jaguars’ backup quarterback role behind Trevor Lawrence, the former appears to be in the driver’s seat.
Jacksonville traded for Jones in March, securing New England’s 2021 first-round NFL draft pick in exchange for a sixth-round selection this year. Jones completed 66.1% of his passes for 8,918 yards with 46 touchdowns and 36 interceptions in three seasons with the Patriots.
Beathard has served as Lawrence’s backup since 2021, the latter’s rookie campaign. In 13 appearances including one start with Jacksonville, Beathard has gone 49-of-66 (74.2%) for 417 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Over seven pro seasons, beginning in San Francisco, Beathard has completed 58.6% of his throws for 3,469 yards with 18 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.