Jets QB Justin Fields In Concussion Protocol After 30-10 Loss To Bills

The New York Jets dropped to 0-2 on Sunday with a 30-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium, a game that ended with quarterback Justin Fields in the concussion protocol and his status for Week 3 uncertain.

Fields was injured in the fourth quarter when he was sacked by defensive end Joey Bosa, and the back of his helmet struck the turf. He remained down for several moments before getting to his feet and walking off under his own power. He was examined in the sideline medical tent, then emerged with a towel draped over his head before heading to the locker room.

Tyrod Taylor replaced Fields with 12:03 left in the game, and the Jets were trailing 30-3. The 36-year-old Taylor, who has 58 career starts and last started for the New York Giants during the 2023 season, signed a two-year deal with the Jets before last season as a backup to Aaron Rodgers. He completed 7 of 11 passes for 56 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown to Jeremy Ruckert in the closing minutes.

Before leaving, Fields had one of the most difficult outings of his career. He completed just 3 of 11 passes for 27 yards, his lowest career total, and rushed five times for 49 yards. According to ESPN Research, his quarterback rating of 1.1 was the lowest in any game of his career. He completed only one pass to a wide receiver, missed several open throws, and lost a fumble on the Jets’ second possession.

Coach Aaron Glenn confirmed after the game that Fields is in concussion protocol. Under the NFL’s five-step policy, Fields must progress through symptom-limited activity, aerobic exercise, football-specific exercise, non-contact training, and full clearance before returning. ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported that Fields has officially been diagnosed with a concussion, leaving his Week 3 availability in question. A best-case outcome would allow him to return quickly, but a worst-case scenario could result in a multi-week absence.

The Jets’ offensive struggles were compounded by Buffalo’s dominance. The Bills jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter, extended it to 20-3 by halftime, and never trailed. New York’s offense managed only 154 total yards, a week after producing 394 in a 34-32 loss to Pittsburgh. Buffalo outrushed the Jets 224 yards to 100, and NFL Next Gen Stats recorded 70 yards allowed on missed tackles. James Cook broke free for a 44-yard touchdown run after a missed tackle by linebacker Quincy Williams.

Penalties were also costly. On Buffalo’s opening drive, Micheal Clemons was flagged for roughing the passer on third-and-19, extending a possession that ended with a touchdown. Cornerback Sauce Gardner was penalized twice for holding, though one was declined. After the game, Gardner said, “Very disappointing, very disappointing. We’ve got to be better all around — stupid penalties, missed tackles, everything.”

Wide receiver Garrett Wilson voiced his own frustration, explaining, “I always feel like we have a good plan. We had a good week of practice, and we come out and lay an egg when it matters, so we have to figure it out. I don’t know. I don’t exactly know how that happened.”

Glenn shared his disappointment as well, stating, “It wasn’t good,” when asked about the Jets’ passing game. On the loss, he added, “It’s not OK, it’s not OK to lose like that. I’m not a big fan of sitting here and telling everybody, ‘Guys, it’s OK.’ No, no, you don’t just lose like that and it’s OK.” Glenn said, “First off, I’ve got to take a look at myself. I want to take a look at every player, and I want to take a look at every coach. There’s no stone that won’t go unturned without figuring out the issue. Apparently, I didn’t have the guys ready to play.”

The Jets also lost three starters to injury. Edge rusher Jermaine Johnson left with an ankle injury, nickel cornerback Michael Carter II departed with a shoulder injury, and safety Tony Adams exited with a groin injury. Glenn said they will all be evaluated during the week.

The loss affected betting markets as well. Sportsbooks including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars opened Tampa Bay as a 6.5-point favorite for next Sunday’s matchup against the Jets, with totals around 44.5. After Fields’ concussion was confirmed, many books pushed the line to Buccaneers -7, with moneylines ranging from Tampa Bay -310 to -325 and New York +250 to +260. Totals have stayed between 44.5 and 45.5. Futures also shifted, with Jets’ Super Bowl odds drifting to +40000, AFC odds to +15000, and AFC East numbers to +7500. Playoff markets heavily favor the Jets missing the postseason, with odds between -600 and -800. Analysts said that Fields’ progress in concussion protocol is the key factor, and while some experts identify value on the Jets at +7, most expect the line to hold until official practice reports later this week.

In his postgame address, Glenn reminded his players that he had been through difficult starts before as defensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions and as an assistant with the New Orleans Saints. He recalled how the 2021 Lions began 0-10-1 and finished 3-13-1 before improving in later years. “The one thing we’re not going to do, we’re not going to waver, not one bit,” he said. “The brand that we say that we’re going to play, we’re going to play that type of game. And our guys will get better.”