Justin Fields Suffers Toe Injury, But Avoids Serious Damage
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Quarterback Justin Fields was removed from the training field on Thursday morning due to a dislocated right toe. Despite initial concern, the New York Jets reported that the player avoided a serious injury. A source close to the team revealed that Fields is expected to be ready for Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Jets indicated that Fields will not be out for a significant amount of time and his status is being evaluated day-to-day. Jets coach Aaron Glenn chose not to speculate on the severity of the injury after practice, indicating he would wait for the results of medical tests. By midday Thursday, the atmosphere within the team became more relieved, considering the recent history of quarterback injuries in the preseason and at the start of the season. The most recent memory is Aaron Rodgers’ injury in the first game of 2023, when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon on the fourth play of the game. The disadvantage for Fields is that he will miss valuable preseason training, crucial for him, as he hasn’t had much activity in the last year. He started the first six games of last season with the Steelers before being replaced by Russell Wilson. Fields is adapting to a new offensive system and seeking to establish a connection with his new teammates. While Fields recovers, Tyrod Taylor, with 58 career starts, will take the reins of the offense. The injury occurred on the second day of training, at 9:25 a.m. Fields stopped after turning right and throwing a short incomplete pass to tight end Jeremy Ruckert. Fields fell to the ground, sat briefly, and limped off the field with the help of a trainer. Fields spent a few minutes in the injury tent before being transported in a cart. He was taken to the locker room, sitting in the passenger seat, before entering the team facilities on his own two feet. Glenn suspected that Fields got hurt when a teammate stepped on his foot, but said he needed to see the video replay.Fields, who signed a two-year, $40 million contract as a free agent, is the undisputed starter for the Jets. Taylor, 35, replaced him in team drills on Thursday. The Jets also have Adrian Martinez, the 2024 United Football League Most Valuable Player, and rookie Brady Cook on their roster, although neither has thrown a pass in an NFL game. “I think the most important thing is that, if something happens to Justin, I don’t think there will be any decrease in what we want to do in the game,” added Glenn.“When someone falls, I feel a lump in my throat. I hate injuries for any player. But the important thing is to make sure exactly what the injury is before moving on with my analysis,” said Glenn.
Aaron Glenn
