The New York Jets’ preseason QB picture shifted after Tyrod Taylor was ruled week-to-week with a knee injury, keeping him out of the upcoming game but signaling a return for the regular season. In Taylor’s absence, Justin Fields is listed as the starter with UDFA Brady Cook and Adrian Martinez behind him, a trio that will be tested in the Jets’ second preseason matchup against the Giants. Fantasy managers should watch how quickly Cook and Martinez separate in August and how the Jets deploy Fields in extended looks to gauge potential Week 1 upside.

Key fantasy takeaway: with Taylor sidelined, Fields’ early reps become crucial for the Jets’ ceiling, and the backups’ performances could shape late-round roster decisions. If either Cook or Martinez shows efficiency and decision-making, it could spark a breakout stash in deeper leagues or push the Jets to adapt play-calling to leverage mobility and quick throws. The Giants game looms as a meaningful stress test for the depth chart and for fantasy managers tracking the Jets’ QB stability this August.

The Jets’ matchup vs. the Giants serves as a practical gauge of how quickly the QB depth can function under game-like pressure. For fantasy, this means a cautious approach to Jets QB options until Taylor returns and Fields demonstrates a sustainable starter floor, with Cook and Martinez as speculative adds in deeper formats.

New York Jets enter a quarterback depth moment as Tyrod Taylor sits out a chunk of training camp, opening an extra door for passing talent. Justin Fields remains in the room alongside Adrian Martinez and Brady Cook, but the team is actively auditioning an additional arm, bringing in Nathan Peterman and C.J. Beathard for workouts. Beathard carries a 13 NFL-start resume and a San Francisco 49ers pedigree, while Peterman is famous for a five-interception half and a controversial 0.0 passer rating game, yet at 31 he keeps chasing opportunities. The overarching message: add depth, keep competition honest in camp and preseason, while hoping never to actually lean on either in real games.

Jets brass signal a hedged approach—healthy Fields, Taylor returning, and a third option on standby—yet adding another qualified passer would reduce risk should injuries or slips arise. The move mirrors a broader league tendency to audition veterans late in camp to avoid scrambling when injuries linger, and it underscores the Jets’ cautious, depth-first strategy heading into the season.

New York Jets rookie wide receiver Arian Smith is showcasing his potential during training camp, solidifying his role in the team's offensive strategy this season. In a recent practice, Smith secured a touchdown pass from backup quarterback Brady Cook, and consistently delivered precise catches, suggesting a promising future despite earlier concerns about his catching reliability. Analysts are already labeling him as a 'lock' for the final roster, highlighting his impressive performance and adaptability within the team.

Justin Fields returned to practice with the New York Jets, but he was limited following his dislocated toe injury that raised concerns after being carted off the field. Although his absence from drills might hinder his preparation, reports indicate he is day-to-day and expected to be ready for the first game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fields had been adjusting to a new offensive system and lacked playing time from last season, where he was replaced after six games.

In the interim, veteran Tyrod Taylor is set to lead the offense during Fields' recovery. While the Jets have backup options Adrian Martinez, the 2024 UFL MVP, and rookie Brady Cook, neither has NFL experience, putting significant pressure on Taylor to perform. The Jets are hopeful that Fields will quickly regain his footing and chemistry with new teammates as they approach the season opener.

The New York Jets face an intriguing competition at the safety position this offseason. The team signed New York native Andre Cisco to a one-year deal, and he is expected to secure one of the starting spots after receiving accolades from the coaching staff. The other starting position, however, is up for grabs, with Tony Adams being the likely favorite due to his experience, having started 11 games last season. Nevertheless, rookie Malachi Moore, a fourth-round draft pick, is pushing hard for the job. Moore, who played as a two-year captain at Alabama, has impressed with his versatility and physical play, even showcasing his skills by intercepting a pass during practice.

Moore's smaller stature at 6-foot, 182 pounds does not hinder him; instead, his aggressive style and high-effort tackling have gained attention. With solid stats from college, including 214 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 25 pass breakups, he brings substantial potential to the table. The Jets' coaching staff seems to recognize that both Adams and Moore can contribute to a revamped secondary, which could be crucial to the team's aspirations in the upcoming season.