The New York Jets have been rocked by a training camp injury to starting quarterback Justin Fields, with the player being carted into the locker room. Head coach Aaron Glenn revealed that the quarterback had suffered a toe injury but stated that it was too early to know the severity of the injury.
The next man up for New York is Tyrod Taylor, who is no stranger to fans in New York, having played for the Giants for two years before moving to the Jets in 2025. But what can Jets fans expect of Taylor if Fields misses time?
Who Is the Jets’ Next Quarterback Up? Who Will Start Following Justin Fields’ Injury?
The New York Jets were quick to commit to former Bears QB Justin Fields in free agency after he became disillusioned with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fields started the first six games of the 2024 season with Russell Wilson sidelined through injury, the pair supposedly locked in a battle for the starting job.
But despite Fields winning four of those six games, he was replaced by the veteran at the first opportunity. The Jets were ready to make the former first-round pick their unrivalled starter, something the player chose despite the Steelers’ rumored interest in re-signing him.
Justin Fields TOUCHDOWN ‼️pic.twitter.com/PC8WtG65Sl
— NATIONAL CHA❌PION Barstool Ohio State (@BarstoolOSU) September 29, 2024
Fields has occasionally missed time during his NFL career, but the injuries have been more of the one-off variety than anything. As a rookie, he suffered a rib fracture; in 2022, it was a separated shoulder, and in 2023, a dislocated thumb.
However, Taylor is a quarterback with a similar statistical profile, fueling the belief that the Jets’ offense would still function similarly should their starter be sidelined. As long as this injury isn’t deemed serious, “Gang Green’s” preparation for the 2025 season might not need to change significantly.
Career Metrics Comparison
Taylor: 7.0 yards per attempt, 11.3 yards per completion, 9.1 aDOT, 3.9% TD rate
Fields: 7.0 yards per attempt, 11.4 yards per completion, 8.7 aDOT, 4% TD rate
Taylor is also a quarterback with significant rushing ability, which should help him fit seamlessly into Fields’ role. Despite turning 36 on August 3, Taylor still has to be accounted for in the run game.
Though nobody will be expecting the 40.6 rushing yards per game that earned him a Pro Bowl nod in 2015, he has produced runs of over 30 yards in three of the past four seasons. With 14 years of NFL experience behind him, including spells on seven different teams, Taylor should be able to keep the ship steady if Fields misses time.
Other quarterbacks on the Jets’ current roster include 2025 UDFA Brady Cook and journeyman Adrian Martinez.
The Jets have confirmed that Fields dislocated a toe in his right foot, and his status is day-to-day.
