There was a scary scene during Tuesday’s joint practice between the New York Jets and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
According to those on the scene, a Jets player was carted off the field and into an ambulance with an IV after practice stopped for several minutes. Jets X-Factor’s Robby Sabo confirmed that the player was cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers.
Speaking to the media following practice, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn shared that Stiggers “passed out” on the sideline before he was transported to a local hospital.
According to Glenn, he was conscious and talking.
Stiggers, a fifth-round selection of the Jets in the 2024 NFL draft, hasn’t carved out a significant defensive role with the team as he enters his third season, but he has played a crucial role as a gunner on special teams.
The former CFL standout finished fourth on the team in special teams snaps during the 2025 season with 287, while producing a solid 70.4 special teams grade from Pro Football Focus. He recorded seven special teams tackles while also recovering a muffed punt.
Defensively, Stiggers has logged only 297 snaps across 29 career games.
Stiggers is facing an uphill battle for defensive snaps once again, as the team’s CB room is crowded. Brandon Stephens, Azareye’h Thomas, D’Angelo Ponds, Nahshon Wright, and Jarvis Brownlee Jr. are all competing for starting roles.
Special teams production has been the reason Stiggers has stuck around on the Jets’ 53-man roster for two years in a row. He’s looking to make the team for a third straight year and should be able to do so if healthy.
For now, though, Stiggers’ health takes priority as we await further updates.
