In recent seasons, several starters haven’t played in preseason games.
But days before their preseason opener against the Packers, quarterback Justin Fields believes the Jets starters need to see some action during the team’s three exhibition games this month.
“I think we at least need to see the field each and every game,” Fields said. “I think that will be good for our team, it would be good for Tanner [Engstrand] for in-game stuff, it would be good for me and the guys on offense. I know some guys sit out the whole preseason, but I don’t think that’s the case with us. Just because of the new team, new offense and stuff like that. That’s how I feel about the situation.”
A year ago, then Jets coach Robert Saleh didn’t play several starters during their three preseason games because of their three joint practices against the Commanders, Panthers, and Giants. However, current Jets coach Aaron Glenn hasn’t specified if any of the starters, including Fields, will play against the Packers on Saturday.
If the last few practices are any indication, the Jets’ offense could use the extra work. Their passing game has been stuck in neutral at times, including on Tuesday morning.
Fields finished the day completing 9-of-16 passes and had two interceptions. This doesn’t include his interception to Tony Adams during 7-on-7 drills.
During the Jets’ scrimmage last Saturday, Fields struggled, completing only 2-of-10 passes. On Monday, he improved slightly, completing 4-of-16 passes.
But it isn’t just Fields that’s struggling, but the entire offense itself. He was sacked three times, and Allen Lazard and Jeremy Ruckert also dropped critical passes.
Team drills began on Tuesday with the offense on their one-yard line, but the Jets only had 10 players on the field, which angered Glenn. Then, after the players got lined up, they committed a false start. Eventually, the Jets’ offense went three-and-out.
The Jets still have a month to go before their season opener against the Steelers, so there’s time to work out the kinks. However, there has to be some level of concern with not just the way Fields has performed, but with the entire offense.
The Jets lack a solid No. 2 wide receiver option opposite Garrett Wilson. But Glenn wants them to be a physical, gritty unit that punches teams in the mouth. They plan to achieve this through the running game, featuring Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, and Isaiah Davis.
In addition, Glenn is also making practice as close to an actual game as possible. During practices, players engage in live tackling, a rare occurrence in today’s modern NFL.
Through two weeks of training camp, the Jets’ ground game has been consistently generating yards. But now it is just about trying to get the same consistency from the aerial attack.
“His command of the offense and knowing exactly what to do was outstanding,” Glenn said about Fields. “Some of his throws weren’t on point, but a lot of them were on point and guys gotta make plays for him too.
“That kind of showed up today and we gotta get ready to fix those things. So, it goes hand in hand with receivers. He has to deliver the ball and they have to catch it.”
A day into training camp, Fields had his toe stepped on, but he returned to team drills a few days later. He is currently wearing a bigger shoe to protect his toe.
If his toe injury is still bothering him, Fields isn’t using that as an excuse.
“It’s still a little bit swollen, but I just had to go from a 12.5 to a 13 [shoe],” he said. “But I’m good other than that.”
Injury report: TE Taylor out at least a week
Jets rookie tight end Mason Taylor has a high ankle sprain that will keep him out at least a week.
Taylor, who was the Jets’ second-round pick out of LSU, did not practice on Monday or Tuesday. Depending on the severity of the high ankle sprain, they can take anywhere from weeks to over a month to heal.
However, Glenn isn’t concerned about Taylor getting behind because of the injury.
“He’s a damn good player,” Glenn said about Taylor. “He has the pedigree of being an NFL player because of his dad. I think he’s going to be just fine. I’m not worried about that player at all.
Backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor is also dealing with a knee injury and is still being evaluated. But his injury isn’t expected to keep him out long term.
“Listen, we all know he’s an older player and obviously when you get to that point, there’s some wear and tear,” Glenn said. “We wanted to make sure we get it taken care of so he can be ready for us when the season starts.”
Pass rusher Will McDonald IV [back spasms], rookie cornerbacks Azareye’h Thomas [shoulder], and defensive tackle Byron Cowart [ankle] all suffered injuries during Tuesday’s practice. McDonald and Cowart both sustained injuries during individual drills.
Thomas fell on his shoulder trying to break up a pass play and fell on his shoulder. The Jets are already without defensive tackle Quinnen Williams [calf], left guard John Simpson [back], Kris Boyd [shoulder], and Xavier Gipson [shoulder].
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