Brady Cook’s Moment Comes Early as Jets’ QB Picture Shifts
The New York Jets didn’t exactly circle Week 14 as the start of Brady Cook’s NFL audition, but football rarely sticks to the script. With Justin Fields officially ruled out for Sunday’s matchup against the Dolphins due to a knee injury, the Jets are turning to their next man up - and that’s Cook, who’s expected to be elevated from the practice squad to back up Tyrod Taylor in Miami.
This isn’t just a one-week contingency plan. Cook’s third and final practice squad elevation means the Jets are at a decision point.
Either they sign him to the 53-man roster moving forward, or they stop dressing him altogether. Given the uncertainty surrounding Fields’ availability for Week 15 - and the very real possibility of him landing on injured reserve - the logical move is to keep Cook active.
One way or another, the spotlight is now on the rookie from Missouri.
A Quiet Riser in the Jets’ QB Room
Cook might not be a household name yet, but he’s been quietly climbing the depth chart since the summer. He edged out Adrian Martinez for the QB3 job during training camp and has earned steady praise inside the building. Now, with Fields’ future in serious doubt and Taylor’s injury history always lingering in the background, Cook is one snap away from real NFL action.
For the Jets, this stretch run becomes more than just about wins and losses - it’s about information. These next few weeks are a golden opportunity to evaluate whether Cook has the tools to stick around long-term, possibly as a backup option in 2026 and beyond.
The evaluation starts in practice. With QB2 reps now on his plate, Cook will get a chance to show the coaching staff what he can do with extended time under center. It’s not just about arm strength or mobility - it’s about decision-making, command of the offense, and how he handles the speed of the pro game.
A Door Opens - How Wide is the Question
It’s too early to say whether Cook will see live game reps, but the door is cracked open. If Taylor were to miss time - something that’s happened before - Cook would be the next man up.
And from what we’re hearing, the Jets seem okay with that possibility. They’ve seen enough in practice to believe he’s earned the shot.
And let’s be clear: even if Cook doesn’t take a regular-season snap, these practice reps matter. They give the Jets a clearer picture of what they have at the position heading into what promises to be a pivotal offseason. With questions swirling around Fields, Taylor’s long-term role uncertain, and the broader quarterback landscape in flux, every bit of data helps.
If Cook shines? A late-season start isn’t out of the question.
If he simply holds his own? That’s valuable insight, too.
Either way, the Jets are getting a head start on a decision they were going to have to make eventually.
The Evaluation Window Is Wide Open
Brady Cook’s time was always going to come - it just arrived a little sooner than expected. Thanks to Fields’ injury, the Jets are getting an early look at a young quarterback who’s been quietly working for this moment. Whether it leads to game action or just a deeper evaluation behind the scenes, Cook is now firmly in the mix.
And in a season where the Jets’ quarterback future is anything but settled, that makes these next few weeks more important than ever.