Jets QB Justin Fields' starting status unclear in Week 4

Justin Fields entered the season as the starting quarterback for the New York Jets, but head coach Aaron Glenn made an interesting comment on Monday about the situation after Tyrod Taylor got the start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

With Fields in the concussion protocol, Taylor went 26-of-36 for 197 yards and two touchdowns. He also had an interception and a lost fumble in the Jets' 29-27 loss to the Buccaneers.

During his news conference, Glenn referred to Fields as being the starter in the past tense and didn't name a starter to play the Miami Dolphins in Week 4.

“Justin came in as our starter and he’s been our starter, so listen Tyrod was the back up,” Glenn said, via Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. “So, I want to make sure I know exactly where Justin is at. I don’t want to say anything until I know that Justin is cleared, so once Justin is cleared I will let you know exactly where we’re going.”

The "exactly where we're going" part of Glenn's comment is curious. He didn't outright say Fields would be the starter for the Jets if he cleared the concussion protocol. New York could give Fields extra time to rest after Taylor looked competent on Sunday.

Fields has completed 57.6 percent of his passes this season for 245 yards and a touchdown. He went 3-of-11 passing for 27 yards before suffering the concussion in a 30-10 blowout by the Buffalo Bills. Fields had a strong performance but ultimately came up short in a 34-32 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1.

The Jets have a big game against the Dolphins this week. Two winless teams don't want to drop an embarrassment to an AFC East rival. Glenn might feel better with Taylor under center than with Fields for the contest.