Jets turn to Tyrod Taylor as starter; Brady Cook active as backup vs. Buccaneers

In Tampa, Florida, the Jets will start Tyrod Taylor at quarterback Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with rookie Brady Cook active for the first time as his backup. Taylor is starting in place of Justin Fields, who is sidelined by a concussion after last week’s loss. Cook, a Missouri product who won the Jets’ training-camp battle for the No. 3 quarterback and was elevated from the practice squad, is active and could be called on if needed.

Cook spent the week studying the game plan and said the process has been enjoyable. “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. The last time I prepared for a competitive game was the bowl game last year with Missouri vs. Iowa. I’m in it. I feel good.” He noted that he has worked through OTAs, the development period, and the preseason to reach this moment. Coach Aaron Glenn said the Jets believe in Cook and would not elevate him to the active roster if they didn’t.

Safety Tony Adams (hip) was ruled out for Sunday, with rookie Malachi Moore expected to start in his place. The Jets also elevated safety Dean Clark from the practice squad to help fill the vacancy. “He wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t confident in him,” Glenn said of Cook. “I thought he did some really good things in the preseason. He’s still learning, and it’s one of those things, we have a number of rookies that play on the field for us, and it’s no different than him being a quarterback.”

Tyrod Taylor takes over behind center for the Jets with the goal of avoiding an 0-3 start. The 36-year-old veteran arrives with a long NFL résumé and a reputation for study and preparation. “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. Taylor has four touchdown passes and zero interceptions in three relief appearances this season and carries the respect of teammates who have rallied around him in practice and meetings. “No one in this locker room lacks confidence, we all believe in one another,” Taylor said. “I’m the biggest supporter of them.”

On the other sideline, the Buccaneers are 2-0 and riding momentum from dramatic wins in each of the first two weeks as Baker Mayfield guides the attack. Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles, who once held Glenn’s job in New York, has the Bucs off to a fast start and thriving behind Mayfield and a disciplined defense. The Jets’ approach will be cautious with a quarterback debate that could extend beyond Sunday, depending on how Taylor and Cook perform in real time. New York is desperate for its first win of the season after a 30-10 home loss to Buffalo in Week 2, a defeat that amplified the urgency around getting Taylor and Cook on the same page quickly as the roster navigates a rocky start.