New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields was forced to leave practice on Thursday after sustaining a toe injury, raising concerns about his status for the upcoming season. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport revealed that Fields suffered a dislocated toe after being stepped on during practice, though fortunately, there is no fracture and the injury is not to his big toe. The full extent of the injury remains uncertain as Fields continues to undergo testing.
Background on Fields’ Career and Current Situation with the Jets
Fields joined the Jets this offseason on a two-year, $40 million contract following a single season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. During his time in Pittsburgh, Fields appeared in 10 games and started six, accumulating 1,106 passing yards with five touchdowns and one interception. He added 289 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns to his stats, helping the Steelers achieve a 4-2 record in his starts.
Despite his solid performance, Fields was eventually benched when quarterback Russell Wilson returned from injury. While fans called for Fields to regain the starting role, the Steelers remained with Wilson, who led the team to a playoff loss against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Wildcard round.
Jets Training Camp Competition and Coach’s Comments on Fields
If healthy, Fields is expected to be the Jets’ starting quarterback this fall, facing competition from Tyrod Taylor, Adrian Martinez, and Brady Cook in the quarterback room. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn expressed confidence in Fields’ work ethic and consistency throughout the offseason workouts, emphasizing that Fields understands he must continually earn his role.
Listen, he’s as consistent as it is,
Glenn said.
The way that he operates in OTAs is the same way he’s going to operate in training camp. The thing is, you can see that he is improving, he understands he’s our guy, but he also understands that he has to work for it, too. Just because you’re our guy doesn’t mean that you [don’t] have a job to do and the guy behind you isn’t going to compete for the job either.
—Aaron Glenn, Jets Head Coach
Fields on His New Opportunity with the Jets
Following the team’s first summer camp practice, Fields reflected on his improved situation compared to last season, expressing relief from some of the distractions he faced in Pittsburgh. He values the chance to focus more purely on performance and leadership without outside noise.
I think you don’t have to worry about as much,
Fields explained.
Last year, like I said, it was kind of in a weird position, but I think, you don’t have to do as much thinking and you kind of just know where you are and focus on getting better, focus on leading the team each and every day, so it’s just not as much other stuff going around, so it’s good.
—Justin Fields, Jets Quarterback
What This Injury Could Mean for the Jets’ Season
The uncertainty surrounding Fields’ toe injury generates concern for the Jets as they prepare for the new NFL season. As their presumed lead quarterback, Fields’ health is crucial to the Jets’ offensive success. His ability to return swiftly and fully recover will impact the team’s quarterback competition and overall preparation heading into training camp and beyond. The Jets will closely monitor his condition in the coming days to determine the best path forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What condition does Justin Fields have?
A. Quarterback Justin Fields from the New York Jets shared that he used to follow a vegan/pescatarian diet. His meals included foods like beans, rice, oats, sweet potatoes, protein shakes, and vegan chicken nuggets and burgers. However, he has recently started eating meat again after changing his dietary plan.