Aaron Glenn Officially Announces Justin Fields’ Decision After Jets QB Suffers Concussion

Justin Fields took a hard hit from Joey Bosa. He threw an incomplete pass, and his head struck the ground, when the New York Jets lost to the Buffalo Bills 30–10 in Week 2. Fields fumbled the ball and was sacked on the very next play. He didn’t return to the game after that.

Aaron Glen, during the press meet, said, “When it comes to injuries. One person that I can just say outright now would be Justin. He still doesn’t want to go through his protocol, so he’ll be out. When it comes to Josh Reynolds, Kene, Jay Tufele, Jermaine Johnson, and Tony Michael Carter. We know how that goes with the week, all right. A lot of those guys are turning in the right direction.”  

Fields has been diagnosed with a concussion and was placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Fields is being evaluated with the required steps to make his return to the field. The Jets will be operating without Fields for at least this next game, which could affect their offensive dynamics. The concussion procedure is strict as players undergo several steps before clearance, even if symptoms subside. Therefore, a gradual return to full practice and game action may occur even if he heals. 

The NFL has a five-step concussion protocol, and before a player can play again, they must be certified by an independent neurologist. He also had a dislocated toe on his right foot during training camp before this. After undergoing X-ray and MRI tests, he was cleared to practice wearing a protective shield. At the time, that injury had been classified as “day-to-day.” In addition, the Jets’ safety Tony Adams (groin), cornerback Michael Carter II (shoulder), and edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II (ankle) were injured during the game against the Bills.

Tyrod Taylor to replace Fields against the Buccaneers

The Jets will play experienced backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor, replacing Justin Fields, who has been officially ruled out for their Week 3 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Without Fields, the winless Jets could see an impact in offensive dynamics, especially any plays relying on his mobility or dual-threat capability. “If Justin can’t play, then Tyrod will be the guy, and we have to make sure that we build a plan that is suitable for him,” Glenn stated.

Despite having 58 career starts, Taylor hasn’t started a game since the New York Giants in 2023. Last season, he only made appearances in mop-up situations while riding the Jets’ bench behind Aaron Rodgers. Taylor orchestrated the Jets’ only touchdown drive in last week’s 30-10 loss to the Bills. He passed to Jeremy Ruckert for a touchdown and finished 7-for-11 for 56 yards. Before being pushed into the medical tent after the sack.

“The fact that he’s been in this league for a long time, there’s no coverage, there’s no pressure that he hasn’t seen. That’s why I have confidence in him. He’s a very studious person, a good athlete. … There’s no better player that you would want as your backup quarterback than him at this point,” Glenn added.

Taylor has a lot of starting experience and is an experienced player. From 2015 to 2017, he was the Buffalo Bills’ main starting quarterback. Later, Taylor started games for the Giants (five in 2023), Houston (six in 2021), Cleveland (three in 2018), and the Los Angeles Chargers (one in 2020). Over the course of more than 14 seasons, he has passed for 12,310 yards, 69 touchdowns, and 29 interceptions in 95 games. In addition, Taylor has run for 19 touchdowns and 2,302 yards.

He has mostly served as a temporary stand-in and backup since then. Despite his mobility, Fields and Taylor are not the same kind of quarterback. The simple throws Fields missed against Buffalo in Week 2 are probably not going to be missed by Taylor. He’ll probably guard the football as well. Fields and Taylor are not the same passer or player. Specifically, he will throw deep shots whenever he wants to since that is his style, and even at age 36, Taylor is one of the NFL’s top deep throwers.