September 27, 2025 – New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields has been cleared from concussion protocol and will start Monday night’s game against the Miami Dolphins, head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed on Saturday.
Fields, 26, had been sidelined since suffering a concussion in the Jets’ Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills on September 14. The injury occurred in the fourth quarter when he was hit by Bills pass rusher Joey Bosa after attempting an incomplete pass. Fields’ head struck the turf as he fell but remained in the game for one more play before getting sacked again, leading to a fumble. Fields missed last week’s 29-27 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but returned to practice this week, participating fully on both Thursday and Friday.
Backup QB Tyrod Taylor’s Performance
With Fields unavailable last week, veteran backup Tyrod Taylor started against the Buccaneers, completing 26 of 36 passes for 197 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, which was returned for a touchdown. While Taylor performed admirably, the Jets were still defeated, dropping to 0-3 on the season.
Fields’ return gives the Jets a boost as they seek their first win of the year. In the two games he has played, Fields has completed 57.6% of his passes for 245 yards, with one touchdown. He has also contributed 97 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Dolphins’ Injury Updates
On the Miami side, Darren Waller, the Dolphins’ new offseason acquisition at tight end, will also be making his season debut on Monday. Waller has been sidelined with a hip strain since the preseason but is expected to play in his first game of the year against the Jets. Waller, 33, has had a career that spans multiple teams, including the Baltimore Ravens, Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Giants. He has accumulated 350 receptions, 4,124 yards, and 20 touchdowns over his 86 career games. The Dolphins acquired Waller from the Giants, trading for him in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick.
However, the Dolphins did have a potential issue with star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who missed practice on Saturday for personal reasons. Despite the absence, Hill is still expected to play on Monday night.
Monday Night Showdown: Jets vs Dolphins
Both teams are struggling, with the Jets and Dolphins each at 0-3 and still looking for their first victory of the season. The stakes are high for both squads as they seek to avoid a deeper hole early in the 2025 season. This matchup is particularly crucial, as it could serve as a turning point for either team’s playoff aspirations.
Will Justin Fields’ return help propel the Jets to their first win? Or will Miami break out of their slump with key players like Waller and Hill on the field? We’ll find out on Monday night.
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