The New York Jets, and their quarterbacks, simply can not catch a break. After enduring the Aaron Rodgers experiment for two years and then moving on this past offseason, the team received yet another bit of bad news on Thursday morning. Newcomer and projected starter Justin Fields was carted off of the training camp field with an apparent toe injury, and it remains unclear how severe the ailment is.
Jets Bad Luck Strikes Again With Injury To Justin Fields
After a quick stop in Pittsburgh in 2024, Fields signed on with the Jets back in March by inking a two-year deal worth $40 million. He would be the team’s assumed starter for the upcoming season, paired with new head coach Aaron Glenn, who is starting his head coaching career in New York.
Source: #Jets QB Justin Fields, carted off with a toe injury from getting stepped on from practice, suffered a dislocated toe. No fracture and not the big toe.
He’s still undergoing tests, but that’s the initial diagnosis. Severity is unclear. pic.twitter.com/lBz6jivGY7
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 24, 2025
There were mild expectations set on the team for the upcoming campaign, and fans had hoped for at least an improvement from the 5-12 record that they finished with last season.
Just a couple of days into training camp, the familiar feeling of disappointment is already setting in. During a practice session on Thursday, Fields was apparently stepped on, and suffered what is being called a dislocated toe.
The quarterback was carted off of the field. There is no immediate prognosis or any timetable for a return to action, and there is a looming possibility of surgery. It comes as a tough blow for a team with a history of bad luck with their quarterbacks, albeit a familiar feeling.
Who Would New York Turn To If Fields Is Out?
If Justin Fields is to miss any extended period, what are the options for the Jets? The team still has journeyman Tyrod Taylor on its roster, who is listed second on the depth chart, who would be the one most likely to take the starting snaps.
It has been nearly eight full years since Taylor was a full-time starting quarterback. He eventually gave up his spot to Josh Allen while playing for the Buffalo Bills, and the Jets are his fifth NFL team since then. He started six games for the Houston Texans in 2021, and another five for the New York Giants in 2023. Taylor will be 36 years old when the upcoming season begins, and is certainly not a player that any team believes can elevate them to potential playoff status.
First reactions:
1. Jets are cursed in an epic way (we already knew this)
2. Feel bad for Justin
3. How much worse are the Jets with Tyrod Taylor? It’s a downgrade but I’m not sure it’s a big one.
4. Jets are cursed.— Jack Mac (@JackMacCFB) July 24, 2025
Are there any free agents that the Jets could pursue if Fields misses time? The talent pool is rather thin at this point. Some of the names that are still available include Carson Wentz, Teddy Bridgewater, and CJ Bethard, none of whom moves the needle for a team looking to turn a corner this season.
Behind Taylor on the current depth chart for the Jets are two former undrafted free agents. Adrian Martinez spent last season in the UFL, and Brady Cook is entering his first NFL season after spending five years at the University of Missouri.
