With just four games left in the season, the Jets are staring down a full-blown quarterback crisis - and there’s no clear answer in sight.
Tyrod Taylor, who got the starting nod against Miami, didn’t even make it out of the first quarter before a groin injury sidelined him. That forced the Jets to turn to undrafted rookie Brady Cook, who had been elevated from the practice squad just ahead of the game.
Justin Fields, the former starter, was inactive due to knee soreness. So, with Taylor banged up and Fields still not 100%, Cook may be in line to start this Sunday against the Jaguars.
But don’t expect any early clarity. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn didn’t tip his hand during Monday’s press conference, keeping things intentionally vague as the team evaluates its options.
“That’s the tough part about this job,” Glenn said. “This job is meant for tough people and you have to make decisions on the fly every now and then. We gotta see how the guys are feeling, have a good conversation with those guys, have a good conversation with the docs.”
Glenn acknowledged the challenge of the situation, calling it unlike anything he’s experienced, even as an assistant. But he made one thing clear: whoever is under center, the team will roll with confidence.
Taylor, making his third start of the season, lasted just two drives before exiting after a first-quarter interception to Tyrel Dodson. That was the play that ended his day, and with the Dolphins already up 21-0, Cook was thrown into the fire.
And it showed.
Cook finished 14-of-30 for 163 yards, with two interceptions and six sacks. He looked like what he is - a rookie, undrafted quarterback thrown into his first NFL action against a fast, physical Miami defense.
There were missed throws, timing issues, and even struggles just handling snaps under center. It was a baptism by fire.
To be fair, Cook didn’t get much help. His receivers dropped six passes, further complicating an already uphill battle. But despite the rough outing, there were glimmers of composure.
“Once he kind of settled down, he came in and was poised,” said guard John Simpson. “He kind of demanded the attention of the huddle. He was ready for the moment, in my opinion.”
That poise may be what earns Cook another shot this week. Sunday was his third elevation from the practice squad - the limit for the season. If the Jets want him active again, they’ll have to sign him to the 53-man roster.
Of course, that decision hinges on Fields’ availability. The former starter hasn’t played since the Jets’ November 13 loss to the Patriots, when he went 15-of-26 for 116 yards and a touchdown.
But Fields has struggled all season, and the numbers reflect that: the Jets rank dead last in passing offense, averaging just 146.5 yards per game. Fields’ QBR sits at 38.2 - 29th out of 31 qualified quarterbacks.
Still, Glenn hasn’t ruled him out. When asked if he’d consider going back to Fields, he emphasized that the decision will come down to who gives the team the best shot to win.
“These guys are all professionals,” Glenn said. “Anytime they have a chance to go out and perform with their teammates, that’s the only thing they think about. That’s the only thing I think about - what decision do I have to make to give this team the best chance to win.”
He added that there won’t be any “mind games” with the quarterbacks. It’s about readiness and performance.
If Fields is healthy and looks like the better option, he’ll get the nod. If not, Cook may get another run under center.
There could be a bit of help on the way, though. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson is eligible to come off injured reserve this week.
He’s been out since mid-November after injuring his right knee in a win over the Browns. But with the Jets sitting at 3-10 and officially out of playoff contention for the 15th straight season, the team may choose to play it safe with their top receiver - especially since this is his second knee issue this year.
So here the Jets are: four games left, three quarterbacks in various states of readiness, and a season that’s already lost in the standings. But inside that locker room, the mindset hasn’t changed. Glenn and his players are still focused on competing - and finding out who can lead them through the storm.