Justin Fields came to the New York Jets looking for a reset, a shot to shake off the past and prove he’s ready to lead an NFL franchise. But on Thursday at training camp, the hopes for a storybook start took an early hit.
During a routine drill, Fields dropped back for a rep, fired an incomplete pass, and then things took a turn. He got up and sat back down again, clearly not quite right. Before long, Fields was limping to the sidelines, trainers close behind. Off came his shoe as the medical staff immediately started working on his lower leg. There was a real sense of concern; after all, the Jets are counting on him to spark their offense this year.
When the cart rolled out to bring Fields back to the locker room, it was an image no Jets fan wanted to see. It’s never easy watching a quarterback—especially one trying to relaunch his career—receive that kind of attention on the opening days of camp.
This setback comes just as Fields is being handed a big opportunity. His 2024 run with the Steelers was promising. Over 10 games, he looked more efficient than at any time during his Bears tenure, notching a career-high completion rate and taking care of the football—five touchdowns, just one interception. He was still a threat on the ground too, racking up 289 rushing yards and finding the end zone five times with his legs.
It’s no secret that 2025 is shaping up as a do-or-die year for Fields. After starting strong in Pittsburgh only to end up on the bench when Russell Wilson returned from injury, Fields hit free agency with plenty to prove. The Jets made it clear he was their guy, signing him to a two-year, $40 million contract and giving him the keys to the offense.
This is more than just a contract; it’s a new chapter. At 26, Fields still has time on his side and the physical tools to be a long-term answer under center. The Jets see him as a viable starting quarterback, not just a stopgap. But for any quarterback, availability is nearly as important as ability—and that’s why today’s scare at training camp looms large over the team’s summer plans.
Now, the attention turns to the trainers’ table, the locker room, and the upcoming medical updates. Jets fans, and really anyone rooting for a great comeback story, are hoping the cart isn’t the start of another chapter of bad breaks for Fields, but just a minor hiccup on the way to a new beginning in New York. This is a quarterback who still has plenty to prove—and, if healthy, plenty to offer.
