The New York Jets are off to a rough 0-3 start, and having concerns over the team’s QB1, Justin Fields, isn’t what they need at the moment. Fields, who arrived in New York this offseason, missed the Week 3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after taking a hit from defensive end Joey Bosa the previous week.
Fields’ absence was felt in the loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, raising concerns about his health and availability moving forward. As the Jets prepare for Monday Night Football, all eyes are on Fields’ recovery and whether he’ll be ready to return under center.
What Is the Injury Status For Justin Fields Entering Week 4?
Fields suffered the injury during the team’s Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills when Bosa slammed his head to the turf on a fourth-quarter hit. The quarterback was immediately placed on the concussion protocol, with backup Tyrod Taylor replacing him for the Week 3 game against the Bucs.
The setback marked Fields’ first NFL concussion since entering the league in 2021. He later revealed that his symptoms ranged from migraines to sensitivity to light, which made daily activities difficult.
“Migraines throughout the day, sensitivity to light, that was a big one,” Fields said about the symptoms of what he said was his first concussion. “I couldn’t really focus.”
Fields spent more than a Week in the concussion protocol and was cleared late Friday to play the game on Monday Night Football against the Miami Dolphins. He practiced fully for three consecutive days and was removed from the protocol after being examined by an independent neurologist.
With Fields back, Taylor returns to the No. 2 role. He started in Week 3 and completed 26 of 36 passes for 197 yards with two touchdowns, one interception, and one lost fumble; he also ran eight times for 48 yards.
Though impressive, the Jets still need Fields to reach their full potential, with their offense heavily relying on his dual-threat abilities.
“He’s a dynamic runner. He’s a smart player,” Glenn said of his expectations for Fields. “I think in the passing game he showed exactly what he can do in that first game and we want to continue to expand on that and continue to get better.”
In limited time this season, Fields is 19-for-33 for 257 yards and a touchdown, while carrying the ball 17 times for 97 yards and two scores. He’ll look to get the Jets on track Monday night when they host the Miami Dolphins at 7:15 p.m. ET on ESPN, a crucial matchup with both teams desperate to avoid a 0-4 start.
