Jets HC Aaron Glenn told reporters Wednesday that he won't reveal his starting QB prior to his team's battle with the Bengals on Sunday in Cincinnati.
"We will have a quarterback on Sunday," he said. "I wouldn't want to give them a competitive advantage."
The Jets' offense has totaled 7 TDs in the past six games and was kept out of the end zone in their past two losses. The team has lost five games by 7 points or fewer this season, which is tied for most in the NFL.
Justin Fields has started all six games he's been healthy while Tyrod Taylor manned the offensive controls in Week 3 in Tampa when Fields was in concussion protocol and a gameday inactive. Rookie Brady Cook, an undrafted free agent out of Missouri, was elevated prior to the Jets' game with the Buccaneers and served as Taylor's backup.
"I have all the confidence in the world in Justin," Glenn said. "I have all the confidence in the world in Tyrod. I have all the confidence in the world in Brady."
Taylor, 36, replaced Fields in the second half of the Jets' 13-6 Week 7 loss to the Carolina Panthers. He hit on 10-of-22 passes for 126 yards and was intercepted twice. Glenn said Taylor is day to day with a knee ailment he dealt with during training camp.
"As a competitor, you always want to start," Taylor said Sunday. "But that's not my decision, and nor will I feel any way emotionally about whatever coach chooses to decide. I'll be ready for the opportunity, but I'm also here to support Justin as well, too. I got a lot of respect for him and every guy in this locker room, so I'm here to do what I need to do when my number is called."
Over his six starts this season, Fields has passed for 845 yards (63.7%) with 4 TDs and 0 INTs. He also averaged 42.8 yards per game on the ground and 3 rush TDs. His 257 rush yards leads all NFL QBs. He has been sacked 17 times the past three games.
"It's not my decision," Fields said after being replaced against the Panthers. "I'm here to be the best teammate I can be. I'm here to be the best person I can be. So, like I said, it's not up to me. Of course, I wish things would have went a little bit different, not only for me, but for this team."
In three appearances this season, Taylor has connected on 62.3% of his passes for 379 yards with 3 TDs and 3 INTs. With Fields in concussion protocol in Week 3, Taylor started against the Buccaneers and was 26-of-36 passing (72.2%) for 197 yards with 2 TDs and 1 INT in a 29-27 loss.
"I think it's always based on who gives you the best chance to win," Glenn said of his decision Sunday. "And again, that's what I think about. This is a week-to-week league, and you have to make sure you get yourself prepared to win every week because every team gives you different challenges. My mindset right now is who gives us the best chance to win, to be honest with you."
The Jets will try to secure their first win against a Bengals (3-4) team that will start Joe Flacco for a third consecutive game.
Jetcetera
CB Sauce Gardner and RB Kene Nwangwu are in concussion protocol. … WR Garrett Wilson (knee), LB Cam Jones (hip), DT Jay Tufele (knee), TE Stone Smartt, QB Tyrod Taylor (knee), RB Breece Hall (ankle) and CB Qwan'tez Stiggers are all day-to-day as the practice week begins.
