After Justin Fields suffered a concussion towards the end of Week 2’s loss against the Buffalo Bills, the New York Jets were without their starting quarterback in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Fortunately, Fields’ concussion problems may be nearing their conclusion heading into a do-or-die Week 4 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday morning, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed that Fields is still in concussion protocol but will be returning to practice.
“Justin will be practicing, but he’s still going through the (concussion) protocol,” Glenn said on Thursday. “So, we have to make sure that’s clear, and we’ll be fine; but he’ll be practicing today.”
This places him in a spot to start on Monday night against Miami.
The Justin Fields update
Fields has completed 57 percent of his passes with one touchdown, no interceptions, and 245 yards through the air in two starts with the Jets. He has added 97 yards and two rushing touchdowns as well.
Fields suffered his concussion during New York’s 30-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 2. He completed just two passes in the loss and had a completion percentage under 30 percent.
Tyrod Taylor replaced Fields and completed 26 of 36 passes for 197 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in New York’s loss to Tampa Bay.
It’s important to remember that the first step to passing concussion protocol is an unpadded practice. Fields’s performance in practice on Wednesday is the first step to making sure he’s cleared moving forward.
While the door had remained open after Glenn’s comments on Monday following the loss, the Jets have remained clear about who their starter is. Glenn did, indeed, confirm that Justin Fields will be the starting quarterback if he clears concussion protocol.
With Fields expected to be cleared, he’s in line to start for the Jets on Monday night against the Miami Dolphins.