During New York Jets training camp, a concerning incident occurred when quarterback Justin Fields was seen leaving the field on Thursday morning due to a suspected lower body or foot injury, as reported by Fox Sports NFL reporter Ralph Vacchiano. Fields exited the field before the fifth play of the team drill.
Fields recently signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Jets, which includes $30 million guaranteed. He joined the Jets after spending the 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he started six games but was later replaced by veteran Russell Wilson. In his six starts and ten total games for Pittsburgh, Fields threw for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns, one interception, and earned a passer rating of 93.3, completing 65.8% of his passes. Additionally, he rushed for 289 yards and five touchdowns.
Prior to his time with the Steelers, Fields played his first three NFL seasons (2021-2023) with the Chicago Bears. If Fields is sidelined, the Jets have veteran Tyrod Taylor, who boasts 58 career NFL starts, along with Adrien Martinez and undrafted free agent Brady Cook as backups. The Jets are entering their first season under new head coach Aaron Glenn, a former Jets cornerback and current Defensive Coordinator for the Detroit Lions.
Fields’ career has been impacted by injuries, having missed multiple games in both 2022 and 2023 due to shoulder and hip issues. The Jets concluded last season with a disappointing 5-12 record and released veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers earlier this year.
This story is ongoing, so updates will follow as more information becomes available.
Fan Take: Justin Fields’ injury could significantly affect the Jets’ quarterback stability, making it a pivotal moment for the team’s rebuilding efforts under a new coaching regime. NFL fans should watch closely, as Fields’ health will likely shape the Jets’ competitiveness and could influence quarterback dynamics league-wide.