The New York Jets’ quarterback situation has taken another sharp turn as the winless team prepares to face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8.
After benching Justin Fields for veteran Tyrod Taylor earlier this week, the Jets were forced to reverse course when Taylor was ruled out with a knee injury. The veteran reportedly sustained the injury during last week’s 13-6 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Fields, who has thrown for 845 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions through six appearances, now gets another chance to start despite being one of the team’s struggles.
Jets announced Justin Fields officially will start Sunday at Cincinnati. pic.twitter.com/ve3th6vxgs
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 25, 2025
Jets owner Woody Johnson recently voiced frustration over the quarterback’s performance, saying,
“It’s hard when you have a quarterback with the rating that we’ve got.” Fields responded, “Of course, everybody knows I need to play better… that’s just what comes with the job.”
With the Jets sitting at 0-7, Fields’ return under center gives him one more opportunity to prove himself and perhaps salvage what has been a difficult season for New York.
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Johnson’s public criticism sparked headlines earlier this week when he added,
“It’s hard when you have a quarterback with a rating that he’s got. I mean, he has ability, but something just is not jiving,” followed by, “If we can just complete a pass, it would look good.” Despite the remarks, head coach Aaron Glenn expressed his continued confidence in the quarterback and his staff.
“I do believe in Aaron,” Johnson said when asked about his coach’s job security. “I’ve known Aaron since 1996… He’s the real deal. No B.S. No second agendas.”
For months, Glenn stood behind Fields despite his struggles, including a game against the Denver Broncos where the Jets recorded minus-10 net passing yards.
His first major decision to pull Fields came last Sunday after the quarterback completed just 6 of 12 passes for 46 yards and was sacked three times.
Now, with Taylor sidelined and the Jets desperate for a spark, Fields is once again in control of the offense. The dual-threat quarterback will aim to lead New York to its first victory of the season while trying to reestablish trust within the organization and silence the criticism surrounding him.
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