Aaron Glenn cautious as Justin Fields enters concussion protocol; Tyrod Taylor could start vs. Buccaneers
Jets coach says Week 3 starting quarterback remains uncertain as Fields undergoes evaluation; veteran Tyrod Taylor is a viable option despite limited preseason reps.
New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn said Monday that the team’s Week 3 starting quarterback is unclear after Justin Fields entered the NFL concussion protocol following Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills, and that veteran Tyrod Taylor could start if Fields is ruled out for the road game at Tampa Bay.
"He’s in the protocol right now, and it’s always a hard one to really evaluate until we get more information," Glenn said. "So, I’m sure I’ll be giving you guys more information as the week progresses." Glenn added that he will withhold a decision until he can assess Fields’ ability to practice and take reps during the week.
Fields started the season with a strong performance in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers but struggled in a lopsided loss to Buffalo on Sept. 14, completing only 3-of-11 passes for 27 yards. He suffered a head injury early in the fourth quarter of that game and did not return. Taylor, 36, took snaps late and led the offense to its lone touchdown in garbage time.
Glenn said the issue of a quarterback not practicing during the week complicates his decision-making. "Well, it’s hard for me as a coach once we get to Friday and you haven’t had any reps, and that’s just something that I believe in," he said. "So again, I don’t want to put anything on that as far as where we’re at with him until we get to that point."
Taylor did not appear in any preseason games because of a knee injury, but Glenn downplayed concerns about rust if the veteran is asked to start. "I mean, Tyrod has been in this league for a number of years," Glenn said. "It doesn’t take much for him to understand exactly what we’re trying to do, and what we’re trying to get done. So, I have no concerns with that whatsoever." Glenn also noted similarities between Taylor and Fields in mobility, which factors into the team’s offensive planning.
The immediate decision looms ahead of the Jets’ first road game of the season against the Buccaneers on Sunday. A ruling that Fields is unable to play would hand a significant responsibility to Taylor and the Jets’ offense in a hostile setting.
Glenn, who also faced questions about in-game strategy after the defeat in Buffalo, defended a decision to punt on fourth-and-1 from the Jets’ 28-yard line midway through the third quarter while trailing by 20 points. He said he wanted to avoid giving the Bills a short field while hoping to create better field position for his struggling defense and preserve a chance to mount a comeback. The Bills drove the ensuing possession for a touchdown, extending their advantage to 30-3.
Glenn did not set a timetable for additional comments, saying the team will continue to monitor Fields’ progress through the concussion evaluation process and will provide updates as the week progresses. The Jets will have routine medical checks and practice observations to inform any decision about who will take the opening snap in Tampa Bay.