New York Jets backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor will not play again this preseason after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. The procedure, labeled a “minor scope” by head coach Aaron Glenn, was done to address an issue that had already kept Taylor out for over a week. While there is optimism he could return for the September 7 opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Glenn admitted that his status for Week 1 remains uncertain.
Veteran Taylor’s Injury Tests Jets’ Quarterback Depth Ahead of Season Opener
At 36, Taylor is no stranger to setbacks, having endured multiple injuries throughout his 15-year career including rib, wrist, hamstring, and concussion issues, as well as a punctured lung in 2020. Despite these challenges, Taylor remains the established No. 2 quarterback behind Justin Fields, who praised his experience and leadership in the locker room. Last season, Taylor served as Aaron Rodgers’ backup before Rodgers’ departure.
Tyrod Taylor (NFL)Taylor’s absence puts the Jets’ quarterback depth under the microscope. Adrian Martinez, a former UFL standout with no NFL regular-season snaps, is currently the next man up. Rookie Brady Cook is also on the roster but left Tuesday’s practice with an ankle injury, which is not believed to be serious. If Taylor is unavailable for the season opener, New York would face the risk of entering the year without a seasoned backup quarterback.
Injuries Hit Jets’ Offense, but Key Players Make Encouraging Practice Returns
The quarterback room isn’t the only unit affected. Wide receiver Allen Lazard will be sidelined for about two weeks due to a right shoulder injury sustained in the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers. Lazard’s absence removes another trusted target from the offense during a critical stretch of preseason development.
Not all the news from Jets camp was grim. Rookie tight end Mason Taylor and left guard John Simpson both returned to practice after dealing with a high ankle sprain and a back injury, respectively. Defensive linemen Quinnen Williams and Jermaine Johnson also made partial returns from calf and Achilles injuries, giving the Jets hope that they will have key contributors ready to go as the regular season draws closer.
