Jaguars running back T.J. Yeldon isn’t a quarterback, but he’s studying like one.

The team’s franchise quarterback, Blake Bortles, sees it paying off.

"One thing that’s really cool with T.J. is you kind of see him grow with the protections," Bortles said. "He’s been awesome."

How so? Bortles gave an insightful example from the team’s last game, a 30-27 win over Indianapolis on Oct. 2 in London. Yeldon interjected himself into a pre-snap communication between Bortles and receiver Allen Robinson.

"It was funny, they got the free safety up on the edge of the line," Bortles said. "Me and A-Rob usually communicate on whether we’re going to adjust [the route] off of that or whether I pick it up with the offensive line. T.J. had heard me make the call to pick it up and he told A-Rob, ‘You’re good.’ So, it was kind of cool and funny to see him knowing the protections like that and knowing he was going to block that guy so A-Rob didn’t have worry about adjusting his route."

Robinson ended up drawing a penalty from Colts cornerback Antonio Cromartie on the play.

Yeldon’s preparation starts in the film room. Jaguars offensive coordinator Greg Olson has the backs attend the quarterbacks’ protection meetings.

"We always talk with those guys, ‘Hey you need to be a quarterback. Approach that as if you are a quarterback,’" Olson said. "You should understand the calls before Blake makes the calls. That is the goal with everyone, but especially with the running backs because he is back there in the shotgun with the quarterback. He has to have a feel for what he is thinking and what he is saying."

Yeldon wasn’t the least bit fooled by the pressure the Colts sent.

"I had seen that blitz on film before, so it was pretty easy," Yeldon said. "I’m putting in a lot of film study and watching the safeties. My understanding is a lot better. I’m more comfortable in the system and everything is easier after doing it a year in the program."

Running back Chris Ivory’s medical issue to start the season has allowed Yeldon the chance to show his improvement from his rookie season last year.

"He is where we want him to be," Olson said. "Now that he has been our feature back, he has obviously taken ownership in it. It is great progress on his part. … He has taken a great amount of pride in being a third-down back and being that guy that can do those things for us."

Jaguars coach Gus Bradley said Ivory had made "really big strides" on Thursday after missing the first two games. However, he spoke highly of Yeldon’s development.

"He’s really elevated [his play]," Bradley said. "He’s unique in the meetings and how he just he really picks it up very quickly. He’s done a great job."

The breakdown of the workload will be interesting in Sunday’s game at Chicago. Yeldon took 54 snaps against the Colts to Ivory’s 18.

Yeldon rushed 14 times for 71 yards, a 5.1-yard average, in the win over Indianapolis. He gained just 84 yards in the first three games combined.

"We eliminated some stuff in the game plan and that helped," Yeldon said. "We executed and ran the ball well."

Yeldon also provided a lift in the passing game, catching four passes for 46 yards against the Colts. He was especially effective late in the game to help preserve the victory.

After Indianapolis scored to cut the lead to 23-20 midway through the fourth quarter, Yeldon kick-started the next drive with catches of 16 and 15 yards. The Jaguars later scored on a Bortles pass to receiver Allen Hurns.

"I feel like receiving, he’s done a great job there, and running the ball, too," Bradley said. "He’s always run very hard. It’s just a matter of seeing the big picture and getting a feel for it, but I really like him. I’m very pleased with him."

Yeldon has gained 97 yards receiving this season. His 5.4-yard average on his 18 receptions needs to rise, but the Colts game was a quality step forward.

"He has had a number of catches this season," Olson said. "That is another part of the reason why he is in there on third down. He has very good hands for us. He understands, not only the protection part of it, but where his check downs are and where he needs to be. I think he takes a great amount of pride in that as well."

The Jaguars offensive line has struggled at times so far. Yeldon’s performance in pass protection will be even more of an asset with left guard Luke Joeckel out for the season.

Ivory might take on more responsibility in the early downs and in certain situations as the final 12 games play out, but Yeldon’s growth on third down will be an important cog in the offense. There aren’t many backs in the league that can be reliable in all three areas of running, passing and protection.

Ivory should get plenty of work against the Bears, but Yeldon should still make a significant contribution – even when he’s not touching the ball.

Hays Carlyon: (904) 359-4377