The New York Jets are navigating a delicate situation as they prepare for their Week 8 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. The decision to start quarterback Justin Fields has been made due to an injury to Tyrod Taylor, who suffered a knee injury in the Week 7 loss to the Carolina Panthers. This injury has left the Jets with no choice but to have Fields start the game. This decision comes amid tension between Jets owner Woody Johnson and head coach Aaron Glenn, who refused to name a starting quarterback for a ‘competitive advantage.’ This tension is a result of Johnson’s brash comments regarding Fields and his performance with the team.
Fields has struggled since signing a two-year, $40 million deal with Gang Green, to the point where he was benched at halftime in their Week 7 loss to the Panthers. However, this decision was not made lightly, as the Jets were planning on moving towards Taylor, who they believe is the better quarterback. Reports indicated that several people on the Jets thought Taylor was the better option, which is likely why the team was considering moving towards him. But with Taylor’s injury, the Jets have no choice but to rely on Fields.
The Jets are hoping that Fields can perform well against the Bengals, as they look to avoid an 0-8 start to the season. This is a critical point in the season, as the Jets are looking for a turnaround and a win to regain some momentum. Additionally, key players Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner will also miss the contest, which adds to the team’s challenges. The Jets are in a tough position, but they have no choice but to make the best of the situation and hope that their quarterback can come through for them.