The New York Jets are heading into Week 3 with a change at the most important position on the field. After a rough outing and a concussion suffered against the Buffalo Bills, it is clear that ͏Justin Fields will not suit up͏ against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That leaves fans wondering who will step up in his place.
Tyrod Taylor Steps Into the Spotlight
Fields’ time under center in Week 2 was short-lived. He completed just 3 of 11 passes for 27 yards while rushing for 49 more before a hard hit from defensive end Joey Bosa forced him to leave the game.
The concussion placed him in the NFL’s protocol, and Head Coach Aaron Glenn confirmed that the team cannot risk playing him without the necessary clearance.
Glenn left no doubt about the next step for the Jets. “If Justin can’t play, then Tyrod [Taylor] will be the guy and we have to make sure that we build a plan that is suitable for him,” Glenn told reporters, via PFSN’s Jordon Lawrenz. With Fields sidelined, the team is turning fully to Tyrod Taylor as the starter for Week 3.
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
Taylor, in his 15͏t͏h͏ NFL season, is no stranger to͏ stepping into difficult situations. After entering the league ͏in 2011, he has suited up for seven different franchises and has built a reputation as a dependable journeyman. He already has a year of experience in New York’s system, ͏which makes the transition smoother.
Against Buffalo, Taylor delivered the team’s only touchdown drive of the game. He went 7-for-11 passing for 56 yards, including a scoring toss to tight end Jeremy Ruckert, and added 21 rushing yards. His ability to both throw and extend plays with his legs offers the Jets an element of continuity from Fields’ style of play.
Veteran Presence Offers Stability
Beyond what he provides on the field, Taylor is also serving as a mentor. Following͏ the ͏tough loss, he͏ shared advice for Fields to͏ help him͏ handle adversity. ͏”Just take it one game͏ ͏at a time,” Taylor said. He emphasized staying confident,͏ learning from ͏mistakes, and critiquing performances “the hardest way͏ possible.”
The ͏Jets enter Week 3 at 0-2, facing an undefeated Buccaneers squad that will test their resilience. While losing Fields is a setback, the team believes Taylor’s professionalism and preparation give them the best chance to stay competitive. For now, the Jets’ hopes rest ͏on the veteran’s ability to stabilize the offense until Fields is healthy enough to return.
