Jets place Fields on injured reserve, ending his disappointing season amid QB changes

Justin Fields season with the New York Jets has come to an abrupt end after he was placed on injured reserve due to ongoing knee issues.

Why it matters: Fields’ injury not only ends his tumultuous season but raises questions about the future of both the player and the Jets' quarterback position going forward.

• After being benched on November 17, Fields struggled to regain form, ending the season with a disappointing 2-7 record as a starter.
• With a Total QBR of just 37.3, Fields ranked 28th out of 32 qualified passers, significantly below his career average of 45.3.

What’s new: The Jets will now rely on undrafted rookie quarterback Brady Cook for the remainder of the season.

• Cook will make his third start, stepping into a challenging situation following Fields' benching and eventual placement on IR.

By the numbers: Fields' performance statistics provide insight into his struggles this season.

• In his last five starts, he managed to throw for only 505 yards and recorded just three touchdowns over the entire season.
• His best outing came against the Cincinnati Bengals when he threw for 244 yards, but consistency remained elusive.

Yes, but: While Fields has shown flashes of potential in the past, his time with the Jets has been marred by injuries and inconsistency.

• Missing Week 3 due to a concussion added to his challenges, as he later expressed concerns about taking on a Wildcat role that could increase the risk of further injury.

Between the lines: Head coach Aaron Glenn acknowledged the disappointment surrounding Fields' performance.

• "Man, we tried to see how we can get this to work, but it wasn't getting as better as we would like it," Glenn stated, highlighting the team's struggle to maximize Fields’ talents.

What’s next: Moving forward, the Jets face critical decisions regarding their quarterback strategy.

• Fields is under a two-year, $40 million contract, counting $23 million against the 2026 cap. If cut, the team would incur $22 million in dead money, which could complicate their financial flexibility.

The bottom line: As the Jets navigate the remainder of the season with Brady Cook at the helm, the franchise must assess its long-term plans for the quarterback position while reflecting on a season filled with unmet expectations for Justin Fields.