Will Justin Fields be QB1 for the Jets when he clears concussion protocol?
Justin Fields of the New York Jets runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 14, 2025. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Aaron Glenn wasn’t ready to commit to Justin Fields returning to his starting role just yet.
Fields remains in the concussion protocol. Tyrod Taylor started for Fields in Sunday’s last-second 29-27 loss at Tampa Bay. Glenn had no update on Fields’ condition when he spoke to reporters Monday morning.
The winless Jets play the winless Dolphins in Miami next Monday night, which gives Fields a little more time to heal. But Glenn wouldn’t say whether Fields would start if he’s cleared by doctors to play.
“We'll talk about that today,” Glenn said during a Zoom call. “As a staff, we'll make sure we come with the right answer for that. I know what you’re trying to ask, but we'll make sure we talk about that as a staff first and foremost.”
Glenn was pressed further in an effort to avoid speculation. Although Glenn’s answer wasn’t exactly clear, it would be surprising if Fields wasn’t reinstated once he’s physically able to play.
“Justin came in as our starter and he's been our starter,” Glenn said. “Listen, Tyrod was the backup. I want to make sure I know exactly where Justin is at. I don't want to say anything until I know that Justin is cleared. Once Justin is cleared, I will let you know exactly where we're going.”
Glenn also didn’t have an update on linebacker Quincy Williams, who left Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury. The Jets’ next full practice is Thursday.
Fields sustained a concussion in the Jets’ Week 2 loss to Buffalo. He was ruled out for the game against the Buccaneers early last week.
Glenn could have put to rest any potential speculation by declaring Fields the starter once he’s healthy and able to play. It’s hard to see the Jets going away from Fields at this point in time.
Fields was hand-picked by Glenn to be his first quarterback as an NFL head coach. The Jets made Fields their big offseason signing, investing $30 million guaranteed in him over two seasons. They tailored the offense to fit his skills.
It looked good in Week 1 when Fields accounted for three touchdowns — one passing and two running — and the offense put up 32 points in a loss to the Steelers. Fields followed that with one of his worst games of his career.
He was just 3-for-11 for 27 yards against Buffalo before being removed early in the fourth quarter because of the concussion.
In general, players don’t lose their starting job due to injury, but there are certainly occasions when it happens. Glenn wouldn’t address his philosophy on that when asked about it last week.
“I won’t answer that type of question,” Glenn said.
Taylor’s first start as a Jet was a mixed bag of good and bad. The offense struggled for three quarters, but Taylor found his rhythm in the fourth after the Jets fell behind 23-6.
He finished 26-for-36 for 197 yards and two touchdowns. He also had two costly first-half turnovers — a fumble and pick-6 — that led to 10 points for Tampa.
Taylor weathered the storm and led the Jets back late. He was 12-for-15 for 177 yards and two touchdowns passes in the fourth quarter.
“I thought Tyrod did well,” Glenn said. “I thought he did well. Now there's some things he's got to clean up. But I thought he did well.”
The Jets had a chance to win after Will McDonald leapt over the line to block a field goal try and returned it 50 yards for the touchdown. The incredibly athletic play plus the extra point gave the Jets a 27-26 lead with 1:49 left.
The defense couldn’t get the stop it needed, though. Chase McLaughlin kicked a 36-yard field goal as time expired to spoil the comeback.
“We needed to capitalize on having momentum,” defensive tackle Harrison Phillips said. “Will going down and making one of the best plays I've ever seen in my career, momentum was on our side. Adrenaline was high.
“There was just a few minor mistakes that we know better than and we'll take that as a learning opportunity to ensure that that doesn't happen again to us.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
