Jets UDFA rookie quarterback makes NFL debut in nightmare circumstances

The New York Jets just turned to undrafted rookie quarterback Brady Cook far earlier than anyone anticipated, and in just about the worst circumstances imaginable.

Tyrod Taylor exited Sunday’s matchup against the Miami Dolphins with an apparent injury late in the first quarter, forcing Cook into action with the Jets already trailing 21–0 (now 21-7 at the time of writing) and getting completely overwhelmed on both sides of the ball.

Cook was signed to the 53-man roster on Saturday with the expectation that he would serve as the backup quarterback behind Taylor. Instead, he’s now making his NFL debut against a surging Dolphins team in a game that spiraled out of control almost instantly.

It’s a brutal spot for any rookie, let alone an undrafted one, but the Jets don’t have a choice — Cook is the next man up. Taylor has been listed as questionable to return with a groin injury.

Jets turn to Brady Cook at QB after Tyrod Taylor injury

Cook was a former standout quarterback at Missouri who signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent this past spring. The former Tigers starter beat out ex-UFL MVP Adrian Martinez for the third-string job after an impressive performance this summer.

The Jets previously elevated Cook to the active game-day roster for the team's matchups against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cincinnati Bengals this season, both when Taylor was sidelined with a knee injury.

Taylor has a notably lengthy injury history and has been nursing that knee injury since the summer. Now, he's dealing with a groin injury that could cause him to miss time.

Justin Fields is inactive this week due to a knee injury, and head coach Aaron Glenn expressed hesitancy about his availability moving forward. Cook may be the only remaining healthy QB under contract with the Jets.

The Jets have spoken highly of Cook’s poise and processing since he arrived as a UDFA, and he impressed enough to earn the coaching staff's trust this week. But this is an entirely different stage and an entirely different ask.

Brady Cook has been thrown right into the fire. Here's to hoping he can exceed expectations in a tough spot.

UPDATE: Tyrod Taylor has been downgraded to doubtful.