Jags QB Trevor Lawrence 'lot better,' not practicing

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence sat out practice Wednesday with the ankle injury he suffered last week but said he feels "a lot better" than he thought he would at this stage.

Lawrence sustained a high-ankle sprain during the team's 34-31 overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night. But head coach Doug Pederson isn't ruling Lawrence out for the Jaguars' game against the host Cleveland Browns (7-5) on Sunday.

C.J. Beathard, who replaced Lawrence on Monday night and led the Jaguars to a game-tying field goal in regulation, would get the start if Lawrence is unable to go. Beathard, 30, went 9 of 10 for 63 yards in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Lawrence was walking without a protective boot on Wednesday.

"I feel a lot better, I feel better than I would have thought I'd feel," Lawrence told reporters. "I'm very fortunate, I'm thankful that there wasn't a worse injury."

But he's not going to rush back.

"I'll never put myself or the team at higher risk that we aren't going to do our best because I can't do my job," Lawrence told reporters, but added, "We have an amazing medical staff."

Lawrence has 3,004 yards passing, 14 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 94.4 passer rating on the season. He also has 248 yards rushing with four scores on the ground.

At 8-4, the Jaguars still own the AFC South lead by a game over the Houston Texans.