Justin Fields was carted off during Thursday’s practice with the Jets after sustaining a right leg injury. The incident occurred shortly after he threw an incompletion, at which point he dropped to the ground and eventually hopped to the sideline, where a trainer was waiting to assist him.
Fields spent approximately ten minutes on a trainer’s table without his shoe while medical staff examined his lower leg. During this time, Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor paused his work to check on Fields before taking over the starting reps.
As Fields was carted away, team general manager Darren Mougey and a medical professional discussed his condition. Despite the injury, Fields walked gingerly into the locker room after disembarking from the cart.
Earlier this offseason, Fields signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Jets to step in for Aaron Rodgers. The two quarterbacks are anticipated to face off against their former teams in an upcoming Week 1 matchup between the Jets and the Steelers. However, any time missed on the practice field is particularly critical for Fields, as he is acclimating to the offensive system under first-time play-caller Tanner Engstrand.
The injury took place during the second 11-on-11 series of practice, and it was noticeable that Fields did not place any weight on his right leg as he exited. The practice session was subsequently shifted to focus on special teams.
This is a developing story and updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
Given the ongoing nature of the injury and the importance of Fields’ performance to the Jets’ upcoming season, fans remain hopeful for a quick recovery that will allow him to showcase his skills as both a passer and a dual threat on the field.