Jets receive positive Justin Fields injury update ahead of Week 4

As the New York Jets prepare for a huge Week 4 matchup with the Miami Dolphins in primetime this Monday, they're hoping to see the return of their starting quarterback, Justin Fields.

Fields was forced to miss the team's Week 3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after suffering a concussion the previous week. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn provided the first positive update on Fields' status when speaking to reporters on Thursday.

Glenn revealed that Fields will practice — likely in a limited capacity — on Thursday, although he's still going through concussion protocol. This doesn't guarantee that Fields will play on Monday, but it's a crucial step in the right direction.

One of the requirements to clear concussion protocol is that a player must go through a practice without concussion symptoms. If Fields is able to do that, he should be in line to play this week.

Justin Fields on track to play in Jets' Week 4 game against the Dolphins

The Jets started veteran backup Tyrod Taylor at quarterback in the team's Week 3 loss to the Bucs. Taylor finished the game completing 26-of-36 passes for 197 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, but the box score numbers are a bit misleading.

Taylor and the Jets' offense struggled to move the ball for most of Sunday's game. It wasn’t until Todd Bowles did what he often does — easing up in the fourth quarter — that Taylor was able to engineer two scoring drives and make the game somewhat competitive.

Taylor's tape from that game is littered with missed opportunities and questionable decision-making. His performance was not nearly as impressive as the respectable numbers would suggest.

Glenn told reporters on Thursday that Fields would be the starter on Monday if he was cleared, removing any doubt of a premature quarterback change. That's likely for the best, too.

This Jets offense needs Fields to function the way it's supposed to. His dual-threat ability forces defenses to stay honest and, unless he performs like he did in Week 2, prevents them from consistently unleashing relentless man blitzes.

The Jets' offense isn't able to work that way with Taylor under center. The well-traveled NFL veteran remains a capable runner at this stage of his career, but he's not the same dynamic athlete that Fields is. The ceiling of the offense is much higher with Fields at quarterback.

The Jets will hope to see Fields return to the field this Monday as they continue to search for Glenn's first victory as a head coach. Thursday was a step in the right direction for Fields and the organization.

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