FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Justin Fields has recovered from a concussion that sidelined him for one game and will start at quarterback for the New York Jets against the Miami Dolphins on Monday night.
Coach Aaron Glenn said Saturday that Fields, who was a full participant during the team's first two days of practice this week, cleared the concussion protocol on Friday.
“Justin is playing,” Glenn said.
Fields was injured in the fourth quarter of the Jets' loss to the Bills in Week 2 and sat out another loss against the Buccaneers last week. Tyrod Taylor, who started in his place, will return to his backup role.
“It's no different from what we talked about all throughout training camp and what he did in our first game,” Glenn said of what Fields' return adds to the offense. "He's a dynamic runner, he's a smart player. I think in the passing game, he showed exactly what he can do that first game.
"And we want to continue to expound on that and continue to get better."
Fields had a standout debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers with 218 yards passing, a touchdown throw and two rushing TDs in a loss. He struggled mightily against Buffalo, going just 3 of 11 for 27 yards and running for 49 yards on five carries before leaving the game with the concussion.
Both the Jets and Dolphins are off to 0-3 starts heading into Monday night's AFC East showdown.
New York's offense has been inconsistent through the first three games, especially after the first week. The Jets didn’t get into the end zone against the Bills until late in the game on Taylor’s touchdown pass to Jeremy Ruckert. They were held to two field goals against the Bucs before scoring two touchdowns — along with Will McDonald’s blocked field goal for a score on special teams — in the fourth quarter.
The defense, considered by many to be the team's strength, has also struggled. New York allowed both Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay to go on late scoring drives to win on field goals.
“This week has been a week of, for the most part, improvement,” Glenn said. "And I think from the first game how our guys came out, did a pretty good job. We got punched in the mouth in the second game. Third game, our guys responded very, very well and played hard, played fast, played physical and had a chance to win a game.
“So this week I’m expecting more improvement and that’s more than anything what I’m looking for. And I know exactly how our guys will respond and we’re looking forward to going out there and playing.”
The Jets will be without edge rusher Jermaine Johnson for the second straight game because of an ankle injury. Cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr., acquired earlier this week from Tennessee, will also be sidelined while recovering from an injured ankle suffered while playing for the Titans.
Glenn said running back and kick returner Kene Nwangwu is still being evaluated for the hamstring injury suffered in the opener.
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