Jets rookie Brady Cook seems poised to be the starting quarterback this Sunday against the Jaguars, though Coach Aaron Glenn hasn’t officially declared him the starter yet.
Both Tyrod Taylor (groin) and Justin Fields (knee) sat out of practice on Wednesday, allowing Cook to take all the first-team snaps. Observers noticed Fields engaged in some light running on the sidelines, but Glenn isn’t ready to rule out either Fields or Taylor.
“We’ll see what unfolds this week,” Glenn commented, leaving the door open.
In the meantime, the Jets have signed quarterback Adrian Martinez to the practice squad as a backup plan in case Fields and Taylor are unavailable for the game in Jacksonville. Martinez had gone through training camp with the Jets but lost his spot when undrafted free agent Cook from Missouri made the team.
“Regardless of how this week plays out, there’s a plan for the quarterback,” Glenn noted, assuring that they have all bases covered.
Cook made his NFL debut last week against the Dolphins after Taylor sustained an injury. He finished 14-of-30 for 163 yards but threw two interceptions, with the Jets dropping five passes that could have been catches. Having a full week of practice with the starters could definitely benefit him.
“That’s huge for any quarterback,” Glenn said, emphasizing the importance of developing chemistry with the offensive line and receivers. “It’s all about getting those reps with the first team.”
However, Cook’s likely to be without star receiver Garrett Wilson on Sunday, as Wilson remains on injured reserve. The Jets opted not to activate his practice window on Wednesday.
Several other players, including Taylor, Fields, Breece Hall, and Quincy Williams, also missed practice on Wednesday, adding more uncertainty to the Jets’ lineup.
