Coming off a disappointing 2024-25 season, the New York Jets are looking to bounce back this year. With a new head coach and coordinators in place, as well as a new quarterback, things are looking different in New Jersey this summer.
Unfortunately, the latter part of that equation was temporarily put in jeopardy at training camp on Thursday. July 24’s practice saw Justin Fields suffer an apparent injury.
Zack Rosenblatt, senior writer for The Athletic, provided some details via X.
“Justin Fields is being tended to by a trainer now,” Rosenblatt’s original post began. “He ran only one play of 11 on 11 and was pressured then the Jets stopped the team drill to do special teams as Fields limped to the sideline.”
According to Rosenblatt, Fields was carted off the field.
“Justin Fields is being carted inside after limping off and being checked by a trainer,” Rosenblatt’s follow-up read. “Not great.”
Justin Fields Carted Off Field at Jets Training Camp Practice
First and foremost, it’s important to establish what being “carted” means in training camp.
Contrary to an in-game situation, it isn’t always the worst thing in the world. For the Jets’ current operation, it makes the most sense as the quickest way to get players off the field. Even the slightest of injuries can result in players heading back to the facility via cart.
A critical detail to consider: Fields was in the front of the cart, per Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports. That is generally considered better than riding in the back. It’s a tricky thing to decipher, but those who ride in the back may need more space or it simply may be the best medically-directed way to stabilize the situation.
In the event of any time Fields misses, Tyrod Taylor is the Jets’ primary backup. He appeared in two games for New York last season, completing 17 of his 22 passing attempts for 119 yards and three touchdowns. Taylor, 35, is entering his 15th season in the league.
Fields & New York Eyeing Rebound 2025-26 Campaign
It’s safe to say this is a pivotal season for Fields’ career. That makes any potential injury even less fortunate. The former No. 11 overall pick is multiple years removed from a promising 2022 campaign with the Chicago Bears, when he threw for 17 touchdowns and rushed for over 1,100 yards.
Fields is now on his third team in as many years. Last year with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he made just six starts. In those outings, he set career-highs for completion percentage (65.8), success rate (42.9%) and passer rating (93.3). Despite that, Russell Wilson maintained a grip on the starting job for most of the year.
Earlier this year, Fields signed a two-year deal with the Jets. It’s a $40 million pact that allows him to either be the franchise’s bridge quarterback or their signal-caller of the future should he play well. At training camp on Wednesday, Fields outlined some goals for this season.
“Winning a lot of games,” Fields said. “Making the playoffs. I think that’s No. 1 on my list for this team. Winning the division as well. I think those are the goals that are set forth, but of course, before we do all that stuff, we gotta win our division & really get better each & every day.”
Considering the work Fields has put in, including hosting pass catchers for workouts, it’d be a terrible outcome for him to miss time at any point in his Jets tenure.
Jets Get Scary Justin Fields News at Training Camp Practice