New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields’ availability for Sunday’s game looked up in the air. Find out how his head coach cleared up the matter.
Quarterbacks effectively function as the brain of the offense. They can find holes and use their physical skill, mixed with instinct, to move the ball and score points. What happens when a concussion threatens to derail any early progress?
Jets QB Justin Fields Ruled Out For Sunday’s Game With Concussion
Despite sporting a 0-2 record, Fields flashed signs of marked improvement. Now, he must wait at least another week to get back on the field. He will not play this week due to his concussion during Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills. Meanwhile, the Jets will line up across from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
According to multiple sources, Head Coach Aaron Glenn has ruled out the fifth-year player.
Jets QB Justin Fields has been ruled out of Sunday’s game vs. Tampa Bay due to his concussion. Tyrod Taylor will start. pic.twitter.com/fesTL9kdSb
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 17, 2025
“Jets QB Justin Fields has been ruled out of Sunday’s game vs. Tampa Bay due to his concussion. Tyrod Taylor will start,” ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported.
As for the severity of the concussion, to rule a player out this early suggests that Fields could be displaying serious side effects. With no listed or confirmed timetable, it is still unknown when he will return to the lineup. So, what exactly is the concussion protocol?
To play, Fields must complete the NFL’s Concussion Protocol. First, after the diagnosis, the Jets will need to rest him. He is allowed to do nothing but stretch under the careful supervision of medical staff. Once doctors determine a baseline, or where he is, Fields will move on to Step Two.
The second step involves cardiovascular exercise and no weightlifting. During this time, Fields can attend team meetings. This is one of the most important steps as neurological tests begin to see if his symptoms have decreased or increased.
The third step involves more cardio but also strength training. Again, this is done under the watch of medical staff.
The fourth step describes football activity. For Fields, that would mean throwing, throwing on the run, running, and cutting.
The last step will see him engage in full football activity, which means practice. For Fields, depending on the Jets’ practice schedule, that could involve taking contact. A team doctor will examine him, and if he passes, then an independent neurologist will examine him.
If the neurologist believes that Fields is ready to play and is free of symptoms, he will receive clearance to play. PFSN writer Aaron Sutton provides a detailed explanation here.
Justin Fields Injury Update: What’s the Latest on the Jets QB’s Status, and When Will He Return?
In his stead, veteran Tyrod Taylor will start against Tampa Bay. While he made his living as a backup over the past eight seasons, he could possess an even firmer grasp of the Jets’ offense. OC Tanner Engstrand wants the quarterback to move the pocket, play with pace, and get downhill, which are hallmarks of Taylor’s approach.
He believes the quarterback should make quick decisions but have enough athletic elasticity to improvise if the play breaks down. Even at 36, Taylor can still slide the pocket and create passing lanes for himself. What he will not do is try to win the game by himself.
Instead, look for running backs Breece Hall and Braelon Allen to attempt to get significant time against Tampa. The Bucs will be missing defensive lineman Calijah Kancey, who will miss the rest of the year with a torn pectoral muscle.
If Taylor can engineer some scoring drives and the defense can hold Tampa down, the Jets could emerge victorious — New York needs a win to avoid 0-3. Will Taylor, a former Pro Bowler, be the one to get their first victory?
