Fields Near Week 4 Return as Jets Practice Non-Contact Phase

Jets quarterback Justin Fields returned to practice Thursday in a non-contact, position-specific session as he moves toward a Week 4 return to game action. The workout featured a GoPro mounted on top of his helmet as a coach swatted at the football with a pad, a drill designed to satisfy Stage Four of the NFL’s five-stage return-to-participation concussion protocol. If he continues to progress, Fields could be cleared for full football activity and then evaluated by an independent neurologist as early as Friday, potentially setting up a Monday night meeting with the Miami Dolphins.

Tyrod Taylor, the Jets' backup quarterback, overcame two first-half turnovers to throw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes and lead a comeback that fell just short last week against the Buccaneers, though Fields’ job remains the expectation when healthy. "I like where he’s at," Glenn said. "If he’s cleared, he’s the starter."

Fields’ Week 1 Jets debut was highlighted by efficient accuracy and dynamic rushing. He completed 16 of 22 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown, and he scored two rushing touchdowns in a performance the Jets cited as a strong sign that he could be a fit for their offensive system once healthy. The Jets have leaned on his athleticism to extend drives and create explosive plays, a trend they hope to sustain as Fields progresses through the protocol.

His Week 2 outing against the Bills ended in a 30-10 loss and was marked by a concussion that occurred in the fourth quarter, briefly slowing the team’s momentum and forcing a shift to backup plans as the medical evaluation began. The concussion will be tracked within the NFL's five-stage protocol, with the club outlining a cautious approach to ensure he can handle the demands of a full-speed practice and live action if cleared.

Beyond the physical readiness, the timeline remains medical, with Stage Four representing non-contact position-specific drills and the possibility of full activity only after clearance from an independent neurologist. The Jets, who host the Dolphins on Monday, are weighing the risks of reintroducing Fields to contact drills with the imperative to protect his long-term health.

If Fields is cleared on Friday, the Jets would have a narrow window to prepare him for a potential Week 4 start. If not, Tyrod Taylor would continue to function as the top quarterback in the interim, with the team continuing to manage the quarterback depth chart as Fields progresses through the protocol.