Jets QB Justin Fields practices, will start against Dolphins if he clears concussion protocol
The Jets' Justin Fields looks on against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on Sep. 14 in East Rutherford, N.J. Credit: Jim McIsaac
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Justin Fields is getting closer to returning from a concussion and starting at quarterback for the Jets again.
Fields practiced on Thursday. He remains in the concussion protocol, but if he clears the remaining hurdles, he will start Monday night when the Jets (0-3) play in Miami.
“If he’s cleared, he’s the starter,” Aaron Glenn said.
Tyrod Taylor, who started Sunday in Tampa, again will be the backup quarterback when Fields is good to go. Taylor completed 26 of 36 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns in the 29-27 loss. Taylor also threw a pick-6 and lost a fumble.
It was expected that Fields would regain his starting job when healthy. The Jets signed him to a two-year, $40 million contract with $30 million guaranteed and tailored the offense around his skills.
Fields suffered the concussion in the Jets’ Week 2 loss to Buffalo. Going through football-specific and non-contact team training periods, as Fields did Thursday, is part of the return-to-play protocol.
If Fields shows no symptoms, the Jets’ doctor and an independent neurologist must clear him to resume full-contact football activities.
“He still has to go through the whole protocol before he’s totally cleared,” Glenn said. “But I like where he’s at.”
Fields played well in his Jets debut, throwing one touchdown pass and running for two scores against Pittsburgh. He struggled against Buffalo, though, completing only three passes for 27 yards before leaving the game with a concussion.
Regardless of whether Fields or Taylor starts on Monday, the Jets want to be more efficient and effective offensively when they face the NFL’s worst scoring defense. They have produced only three offensive touchdowns in the last two games, all of them in the fourth quarter after trailing by at least three scores.
Glenn said the execution and running game must improve, and back Breece Hall and rookie tight end Mason Taylor need to be more involved in the passing attack.
“We have to start fast,” Glenn said. “We have to run the ball better. I know we were going against three really good teams, but that doesn’t matter to me. I have an expectation of this team on how we operate, and I’m not going to stand down from that. And our guys won’t stand down from that.”
Hard-hitting corner
New Jets cornerback Jarvis Brownlee, acquired Tuesday from Tennessee, is week-to-week with an ankle injury. When he’s ready to play, Brownlee said he’s comfortable playing outside or nickel cornerback. Brandon Stephens and Michael Carter II have gotten off to rough starts this season.
The physical Brownlee is known for tackling and takes pride in stopping the run. He said he’s “a different breed” of cornerback. “I just love hitting,” he said. “I love making an opponent feel me.”
Brownlee said he was “surprised” and “hurt” when he got the call that the Titans traded him. He thought he played well for them.
More injury news
Jay Tufele (illness), Josh Reynolds (hamstring) and Kene Nwangwu (hamstring) returned to practice after missing the last two games. Tony Adams, who sat last week with a hip injury, also practiced.
Defensive end Jermaine Johnson (ankle) did not practice. He’s considered week-to-week and might miss his second straight game.
Linebacker depth
Rookie Kiko Mauigoa could start at linebacker alongside Jamien Sherwood with Quincy Williams (shoulder) and Marcelino McCrary-Ball (hamstring) on injured reserve. Mauigoa has played 27 defensive snaps.
“He has to grow up quick, and he’s been growing up quick for us,” Glenn said. “He’s been playing a good amount of ball for us on the defensive side. He’s going to get a chance to play.”
Glenn also said Cam Jones, who has yet to play on defense, is “going to be able to help us.” Newcomers Mark Robinson and Ben Nuemann also will be in the linebacking mix.
Coach goes viral
Glenn saw the social media post that went viral of him running down the sideline, strutting and dancing on Sunday after Will McDonald’s blocked field-goal return touchdown gave the Jets the lead late.
“I’m going to always be me,” he said. “These guys need someone that’s going to show they believe in them and that’s going to show they’re proud when they make plays. If I didn’t do that, my wife and kids would say, ‘What’s happening? What’s going on with you?’ ”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
