The New York Jets are on the verge of a pivotal moment in their season. Quarterback Justin Fields, sidelined since suffering a concussion in Week 2, has returned to practice on Thursday and raised hopes for his availability in the upcoming Monday Night Football game against the Miami Dolphins. And as the talk and debates are going on, predicting Fields’ return in the Week 4 game, the Jets’ offensive coordinator, Tanner Engstrand, gave a strong hint on Fields’ return after a concussion injury.
There is no doubt his return could provide the spark the Jets need to ignite their offense and secure their first win of the season. Actually, before OC’s comment, head Coach Aaron Glenn had expressed optimism about Fields’ progress. “If he’s cleared, he’s the starter,” Glenn confirmed, emphasizing the team’s confidence in Fields’ abilities and leadership. The Jets’ offense has struggled in his absence, and his return could provide the necessary boost to turn their season around.
But in a new update from the official X handle of New York Jets, OC Tanner Engstrand firmly said, “It would be great to get Justin back, you know, there’s a reason we brought him here to be, you know, to be the quarterback and again coming off that first game was really, really good and it’d be great to get him back, you know, so hopefully that happens,” when media was eager to ask him about possibilities of Justin Fields playing in the Monday Night Football game.
Justin Fields’ journey back to the field began with a concerning hit during the Jets’ 30-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 2. A collision with pass rusher Joey Bosa caused Fields’ head to hit the turf, leading to a concussion. Despite briefly staying in the game, the Jets placed Fields in concussion protocol, forcing him to miss the following week’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Since then, Fields has been diligently working through the NFL’s five-step concussion protocol. His return to practice on Thursday marked a significant milestone, as he participated fully in a non-contact, position-specific workout. This progression shows he is on track to clear full football activity ahead of Monday’s game against the Dolphins.
Justin Field Could Potentially Return
The upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the Jets. The Dolphins, despite their own injury concerns, have a potent offense that can exploit defensive weaknesses. However, the Jets’ defense has shown resilience, and with Fields potentially back under center, the team could have the offensive firepower needed to compete.
Analysts are closely watching the situation, noting that Fields’ dual-threat capability adds a dynamic element to the Jets’ offense that backup Tyrod Taylor cannot replicate. If the Jets clear Fields to play, his return could force the Dolphins to adjust their defensive game plan, giving New York a strategic advantage, per SB Nation.
As the Jets prepare for Monday’s game, all eyes will be on Justin Fields’ status. If the Jets clear him to play, he will not only resume the starting role but also lead the team to its first victory of the season. The stakes are high, and the Jets are hopeful that Fields’ return will be the catalyst for a much-needed turnaround.
The potential return of Justin Fields to the Jets’ lineup is more than just a player coming back from injury; it’s a beacon of hope for a team in need of a spark. As the Jets face the Dolphins on Monday night, the presence of their starting quarterback could be the difference-maker. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, eager to see if Fields can lead the Jets back to their winning ways.