Tyrod Taylor Inspiring Starts for Jets vs. Undefeated Bucs

Veteran Tyrod Taylor Steps In as Jets’ Quarterback Amid Justin Fields’ Concussion Absence

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – The New York Jets’ quarterback situation has taken a definitive turn, with Justin Fields officially ruled out for Sunday’s crucial game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a concussion. This early-week declaration paves the way for veteran Tyrod Taylor to make his first start for the franchise as the team desperately seeks to avoid an 0-3 start.

Head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed the news Wednesday, noting that Fields remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol and will not play. The timing of the announcement suggests Fields is not progressing as quickly as hoped through the league’s mandatory five-step return-to-participation process, which requires clearance from an independent neurologist.

Fields, 26, suffered the injury during a dismal 30-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills where he posted a career-low 1.1 Total QBR, completing just 3 of 11 passes for 25 yards before exiting the game. He was not present at the team facility for Wednesday’s practice.

In his place, the Jets turn to the experienced Tyrod Taylor. The 14-year veteran, who signed a two-year, $12 million contract this offseason to back up Aaron Rodgers, is now tasked with steadying the ship. Coach Glenn expressed unwavering confidence in his new starter, stating, “There’s no better player that you’d want as your backup quarterback than him at this point in time.”

Taylor, 36, hasn’t started a game since Week 18 of the 2023 season with the New York Giants. He missed the entire 2024 preseason recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery but looked capable in relief of Fields against Buffalo. On his second possession, he engineered a touchdown drive, finishing the day 7-of-11 for 56 yards and a 5-yard scoring pass to tight end Jeremy Ruckert.

Despite the lack of recent starting reps, Glenn dismissed any concerns about rust, emphasizing Taylor’s vast experience. “He has over 14 years of reps, so he’s not new to this,” Glenn said.

Taylor himself is approaching the challenge with a calm demeanor. “[There’s] no more pressure than any other game,” Taylor told reporters. “I’m as confident as ever in the guys within this locker room. 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 a job done.”

The offense he inherits has been a tale of two games. It showed potency in a narrow Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers (394 total yards) but was completely stifled by the Bills, managing only 194 yards and failing to reach the red zone until the game’s final minutes.

Rookie Brady Cook will be elevated from the practice squad to serve as Taylor’s backup against the undefeated (2-0) Buccaneers. All eyes will be on the veteran quarterback to provide a spark and lead the Jets to their first victory of the season.