Jets head coach Aaron Glenn announced the quarterback Justin Fields had cleared concussion protocol and would return to the field in Week 4.
“Justin is playing,” said Glenn (via SNY’s Connor Hughes).
Fields sustained the concussion after a poor start against the Bills in Week 2. He was sidelined for a week of practice and the Jets’ next game, but returned as a full participant this week. After starting last Sunday, veteran Tyrod Taylor will return to his backup role.
New York still scored 27 points against the Buccaneers without Fields, but the offense should have more upside with him in the lineup. He will get an exploitable matchup right away against a Dolphins defense that has allowed opposing quarterbacks to throw for a league-high 128.9 passer rating this year. The unit is also one of three in the NFL that has not forced a turnover so far this year.
Fields’ debut as a Jet was one of the best games of his career, and the team will be hoping he can quickly return to that level. He showed off a rapport with former Ohio State teammate Garrett Wilson on an early touchdown connection before scoring twice on the ground himself in the second half. He also limited negative plays, taking just one sack and avoiding any turnovers.
A repeat performance in Miami could go a long way to steady a Jets team that has started the season 0-3. Their defense, however, will be without edge rusher Jermaine Johnson for a second week in a row due to an ankle injury, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini. He returned from last year’s Achilles tear in time for the season opener, but didn’t have much of an impact before going down in Week 2. Rookie Tyler Baron saw his playing time increase in Week 3 and will likely have a similar role on Sunday.
Don’t get too excited about these QBs having big games early on. Russell Wilson had a big day against a very bad Dallas D, then got benched a week later. Same with Fields. Pittsburgh D is turning out to be not very good. But Fields is definitely an upgrade over the backup. He may torch Miami’s D.
I wouldn’t overlook Fields, these are very different situations you’re referring to.
That “not very good” Steeler defense forced 5 turnovers in New England.
They’ve allowed 77 points over 3 games. That’s over 25 points per game, which isn’t very good. NE should’ve scored over 30 on them, but didn’t.
The Bears defense forced Dallas into committing 4 turnovers yet still rank 29th. I’m not expecting them to beat the Raiders.