After the Aaron Rodgers era ended in New York, the Jets turned to free agency to find their next quarterback for the 2025-2026 season. They landed on former first-round pick Justin Fields as their new starter. However, they may now have to explore other options, as Fields has reportedly suffered a potentially devastating injury.
Jets’ QB Justin Fields Carted Off With Concerning Injury
The Jets signed Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million deal in free agency this offseason to take over as their starting quarterback following Aaron Rodgers’ departure.
However, on just the second day of training camp practice, Fields reportedly suffered a leg injury and had to be carted off the field.
BREAKING: #Jets QB Justin Fields is being carted off the field at training camp.
He suffered an injury to leg at practice.
The team ended that portion of practice after. They’re working special teams now.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) July 24, 2025
It’s a significant setback for the Jets, who were counting on Fields to lead their offense in the 2025-2026 season. The Chicago Bears initially selected Fields with the No. 11 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
After three seasons in Chicago, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he started six games during the 2024-2025 campaign. His career has been marked by ups and downs, totaling 7,780 passing yards, 45 touchdowns, and 31 interceptions so far.
While Fields hasn’t established himself as a top-tier NFL quarterback, his elite athleticism and high upside at just 26 years old were key reasons the Jets chose to bring him in.
The exact nature of his injury hasn’t been confirmed, but the fact that it’s a leg injury and he had to be carted off the field is a troubling sign. He could be facing a significant absence this season.
If Fields is sidelined long-term, the question becomes: who will the Jets turn to under center?
Jets Quarterback Room Outlook
If Fields is forced to miss extended time, the Jets have three other quarterbacks on the roster they could turn to. The most likely option is veteran Tyrod Taylor, who has 58 career starts over 14 NFL seasons.
They could also consider Adrian Martinez, the former Nebraska and Kansas State quarterback who went undrafted in 2023, or Brady Cook, a Missouri product signed as an undrafted free agent in April.
None of these options match the upside Fields brings, but with his status uncertain, the Jets may have no choice but to rely on one of them.
#Update: Jets head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed that Fields suffered a toe injury after a player stepped on the quarterback’s foot. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the injury is not considered to be serious.
#Update 2: The Jets have confirmed that Fields dislocated a toe in his right foot, and his status is day-to-day.
