Even after a Week 8 victory against the Bengals, Aaron Glenn isn’t publicly announcing the Jets starting quarterback.
After returning from their bye, Glenn declined to tell reporters who would start against the Browns on Sunday.
Glenn did a similar thing before the Jets game against Cincinnati, before it was announced that Justin Fields would start.
“You know I’m not going to give you that answer,” Glenn said on Monday. “The thing is, you will find out soon who our starting quarterback will be, and Justin did a hell of a job against Cincinnati, but you know I’m going to keep that close to the vest.”
The last time Glenn didn’t announce who the starting quarterback would be, it was for a legitimate reason. Fields was coming off a game in which he was benched for Tyrod Taylor at halftime after completing 6-of-12 passes for 46 yards in the loss to Carolina.
Reports indicated that Glenn was leaning toward starting Taylor against the Bengals. However, the veteran backup suffered a knee injury against the Panthers and was later ruled out for the game against the Bengals.
That led to Fields starting and having his best game with the Jets. He completed 21-of-32 passes for 244 yards and a touchdown in the 39-38 victory against the Bengals. Fields also ran and threw for two successful two-point conversions.
Glenn did tell reporters that Taylor would practice this week, but he doesn’t want to give the Browns a competitive advantage, for his “own reasons.”
“Taylor will be practicing this week and that’s how I want to operate and I think you guys know that,” Glenn said. “So, as we go throughout the week, I know you guys are going to ask me again and you’re going to get the same answer. So, you’re going to know who the starting quarterback is when we go out there for Cleveland.”
Fields has faced his share of criticism from fans, media, and even Jets owner Woody Johnson before the game against the Bengals. Johnson ripped Fields after he held the ball too long inside the pocket and failed to make accurate throws at times.
Johnson also blamed Fields for the Jets 0-7 start to the season.
“It’s been a lot for me, emotionally, spiritually,” Fields said. “When I was on the field, I was damn near about to start crying.”
Following his performance against the Bengals, Fields also disclosed that he was in his closet at home, on the ground, crying after what was a difficult week for the fifth-year player.
“I think he displayed that very clear to you guys and I think my conversations with him will always stay there, and that’s just how I am,” Glenn said about Fields. “I’m sure that’s how he is.
“But just his personality, just in general, speaks volumes when he went through that situation and especially when he talked to you guys. I refuse to tell you guys exactly what we’ve talked about, and I will always keep that between me and the player.”
Wilson and Gardner could return vs. Browns
The Jets offense, which is 25th in the league in yards and points scored, could get some good news this week. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who missed the past two games due to a knee injury, will return to practice this week.
Wilson suffered the injury in the fourth quarter during the Week 6 loss to the Broncos in London. He leads the Jets in receptions (36), receiving yards (395), and receiving touchdowns (four).
“I’m looking forward to him getting out and practicing and let’s see how that goes during the week,” Glenn said. “I don’t want to place too much on him right now, but I’m excited about him getting out there and being able to practice this week.”
Cornerback Sauce Gardner could also return this week. He suffered a head injury and was placed in concussion protocol after the game against the Panthers. Gardner participated during practice last Tuesday during the Jets bye.
One of the final stages of concussion protocol involves participating in a full-contact practice before being fully cleared.
Cisco is out for season
Jets safety Andre Cisco will miss the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury, according to Glenn.
“He’s out,” Glenn said. “He had a shoulder and there’s some other things he’s actually going to fix. He had an issue before that, so there are some other parts of his arm that he’s going to get fixed, too, while he’s getting his shoulder taken care of.
Cisco injured his shoulder in the win against the Bengals and was seen in the locker room postgame with a sling on his arm. He started all eight games for the Jets and registered 41 tackles and one pass breakup. With Cisco sidelined for the year, Tony Adams is likely to start at safety opposite rookie Malachi Moore.
The Jets signed Cisco to a one-year contract worth $8.5 million last offseason.
