Two weeks into the season, and it’s been a less-than-ideal start to the new regime. Despite some bright spots on offense vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers, the week two loss to the Buffalo Bills knocked the team back to reality. Alas, the New York Jets were unable to find that same rhythm to score 32 points like last week. Unfortunately, not even a third of it, putting up only ten points on offense compared to Buffalo’s 30. Even more frustrating, the offense is already getting a change at quarterback. After sustaining a concussion, quarterback Justin Fields is likely out next week vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Who will lead the offense? Fortunately, this veteran quarterback has years of starting experience and is already familiar with Garrett Wilson & Breece Hall. For the time being, journeyman Tyrod Taylor will be the next Jets starting quarterback.
If Fields Is Out, This Journeyman to Lead the Jets Next Week
The reality of the sport is already bearing down on the depth of the roster. The week two loss to the Bills not only leaves the Jets winless in their first two home games, but came at the expense of depth. Throughout the game, the Jets suffered four significant injuries during the game. Initially, strong safety Tony Adams sustained a groin injury. Afterwards, both free safety Andre Cisco and beloved Pro Bowl edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II also suffered injuries. However, the significance of the final injury will sting for weeks to come. This offseason, the Jets invested in Justin Fields, signing the veteran quarterback to a two-year deal. After a solid debut vs the Steelers, fans had hope Justin Fields could really showcase his skills with the Jets. Alas, it seems that his great debut will have to wait to be replicated.
During the fourth quarter, Fields was sacked by Bills edge rusher Joey Bosa. During the play, the Jets quarterback left the field, and Fields was examined in the blue tent. Eventually, the Jets training staff escorted Fields to the locker room to examine the quarterback. Soon enough, the Jets ruled Fields out for the rest of the game after the Jets quarterback was diagnosed with a concussion. Prior to the injury, Fields was struggling. Within three quarters, Justin Fields finished the game, completing three passes for 27 yards on 11 throws, along with 49 rushing yards. In addition, Fields lost his 21st career fumble during the game, his first since Week 15 of 2023 while on the Chicago Bears. With the concussion diagnosis, it’s likely Justin Fields will miss the team’s Florida road trip over the next two weeks. After facing the Buccaneers, the Jets will play the Miami Dolphins the following week. So, who will start in his place?
Tyrod Taylor next Quarterback up for Jets
first career TD for the hometown kid
: #BUFvsNYJ on CBS, @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/TSBvBy2eQi
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 14, 2025
In the midst of his 15th season in the NFL, Tyrod Taylor is once again a starting quarterback. Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2011, Taylor backed up Joe Flacco during the Ravens second Super Bowl-winning season in 2012. Three seasons later, Taylor would begin his renowned tenure with the Buffalo Bills. A talented dual-threat quarterback, Taylor helped the Bills reach their first playoff appearance since 1999 in 2016. Eventually replaced by Josh Allen in 2018, Taylor has played for the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, and New York Giants before joining the Jets in 2024. While Taylor’s a veteran presence on the team, his preseason was limited after undergoing knee surgery earlier this Summer.
Despite being 36 years old, Tyrod Taylor maintains the same level of rushing ability Fields brought to this team. Through over 400 rushes, Taylor has over 2,300 career yards on the ground and 19 rushing touchdowns. Along with a slightly higher career completion percentage, Tyrod Taylor has thrown for over 12,500 career passing yards with 68 touchdown passes to only 29 interceptions. As well, Taylor has already seen action last season when replacing the departed Aaron Rodgers. Through two games, finished 2024 throwing 17 of 22 passes for 119 yards and three touchdown passes.
Could an Undrafted Free Agent Be an Option?
With Taylor emerging as the starter, that’s not the only quarterback to keep an eye on. Should Fields miss an extended period of time, the Jets may consider promoting Brady Cook to the active roster. During the preseason, Brady Cook took advantage of the extra snaps at practice and displayed improved poise in the pocket. After becoming the fastest quarterback during the combine, the former Missouri Tigers quarterback is also a gifted athlete. Due to his history with starting right tackle Armand Membou in college, the Jets could test the rookie if Taylor can’t guide the offense.
Main Photo: [Vincent Carchietta] – Imagn Images
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