After suffering a concussion against the Buffalo Bills last week, will Justin Fields start for the New York Jets when they face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3?
Here’s the latest on Fields’ status, as the Jets sit at 0-2 and look to earn their first win of the season.
Will Justin Fields Clear Concussion Protocol in Time to Play?
No, Fields will not play. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn ruled him out on Wednesday, which is a sign that he still has a ways to go in order to clear the NFL’s strict, five-step concussion protocol. The fact that the team didn’t wait until later in the week to rule him out isn’t a good sign.
Coach Glenn rules out QB Justin Fields (concussion) for Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers
Full injury update: pic.twitter.com/MeSQY1PsAQ
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 17, 2025
The league has made player safety, especially regarding head injuries, a top priority — even introducing the guardian cap to minimize impact during practices. After the hit he took against the Bills, Fields has not yet completed the necessary steps to be cleared for action, and it remains to be seen if he’ll be back for Week 4.
Even though New York is winless, the organization understands Fields’ long-term health is more important than a single game in September. While facing the undefeated Bucs is a significant challenge, it is not a divisional showdown or a critical rivalry game.
Obviously, Fields and the Jets want to avoid a dreaded 0-3 start, but the team would rather accept a third loss than put its starting quarterback at risk.
Tyrod Taylor will start for New York with Fields sidelined.
“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 said.
Taylor is the ultimate NFL journeyman. The 36-year-old quarterback first entered the league with the Baltimore Ravens in 2011 and has since played for six other teams. Thankfully for the Jets, Taylor is already familiar with their system. The Virginia Tech graduate spent the entire 2024 season with New York, though he has thrown just 33 passes over the last two seasons combined.
In last week’s 30-10 loss to the Bills, Taylor orchestrated the Jets’ only touchdown drive. He finished 7-for-11 for 56 yards with a touchdown pass to Jeremy Ruckert. Before the sack forced him into the medical tent, Fields was just 3-for-11 for 27 yards.
Similar to Fields, Taylor brings mobility to the offense. Fields led the team with five carries for 49 yards before his exit, and Taylor followed with three rushes for 21 yards himself.
