Jets turn to Tyrod Taylor as Brady Cook is activated as backup for Buccaneers

The New York Jets will start Tyrod Taylor at quarterback and have rookie Brady Cook active as his backup for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with Justin Fields sidelined by a concussion. Taylor will be making the Jets' first start of the season after three relief appearances, and Cook is one snap away from his NFL debut after being elevated from the practice squad.

Cook, a Missouri product who won a training camp battle for the No. 3 quarterback job and later spent time on the Jets' practice squad, was elevated for this week’s game. "Honestly, I’ve just really enjoyed being able to dive into a game plan again, prepare again," Cook said. "This week of practice has been a blast." Jets coach Aaron Glenn said the team believes in him, noting that he performed well in the preseason and that if it comes to him needing to play, they will put him in the best position to be successful. The Jets also elevated safety Dean Clark from the practice squad and listed Tony Adams as out with a hip injury, with Malachi Moore expected to start in Adams’ place.

Taylor, 36, will make the start after three relief appearances this season as the Jets try to avert an 0-3 hole against a 2-0 Buccaneers squad led by Baker Mayfield. Jets coach Glenn praised Taylor's experience, saying there is no coverage or pressure he hasn't seen across a long career, making him a reliable backup option. "The fact that he’s been in this league for a long time, there’s no coverage, there’s no pressure that he hasn’t seen," Glenn said. "So, that’s why I have confidence in him, and he’s a very studious person, a good athlete, again, been around this league for a long time. There’s no better player that you would want as your backup quarterback than him at this point in time." The Buccaneers have won each of the first two weeks in dramatic fashion, giving Tampa Bay a reputation for late-game execution.

Taylor's resume in relief appearances with the Jets includes four touchdown passes and zero interceptions. This game marks his first start since the end of the 2023 season with the Giants. The Jets are counting on his veteran presence to steady the offense while the rookie Cook remains ready to step in if needed. "I’m as confident as ever in the guys within this locker room," Taylor said. "We know we’re facing a very good team, but I have all the belief and faith in the guys in this locker room that we can get the job done."

Injury updates also shaped the Jets' depth chart. Adams was ruled out with a hip injury, and Malachi Moore is expected to start in his place. Dean Clark, promoted from the practice squad, will be active to bolster the defense's depth in the secondary.

This game will test the Jets' ability to manage a rotating quarterback room and maintain offensive rhythm as the season unfolds. The coaching staff has signaled patience with Cook's development while leveraging Taylor’s steadiness to guide the offense in real time. The Jets will aim to capitalize on a rare opportunity against a high-quality opponent and to prevent a damaging early-season skid.