Jets All But Confirm Justin Fields’ Week 4 Status
The New York Jets gave a very positive update on Thursday.
New York is preparing to take on the Miami Dolphins on Monday and in response, the team shared its first Injury Report of the week on Thursday. Earlier in the day, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn shared that Justin Fields would practice on Thursday but was still in the concussion protocol while also saying he would start if healthy.
"He still has to go through the whole protocol before he's totally cleared, but I like where he's at," Glenn said as transcribed by ESPN's Rich Cimini. "...If he's cleared, he's the starter."
Later on in the afternoon, the Jets shared their injury report and Fields was a full participant.
The New York Jets got some good news
Fields hasn’t fully cleared the concussion protocol. But, the fact that he practiced fully on Thursday is a sign that he’s near the end of the protocol. The NFL’s concussion protocol has five steps. Practicing fully would qualify for step No. 5: "Full Football Activity/Clearance"
"Upon clearance by the Club physician for full football activity involving contact, the player must be examined by the Independent Neurological Consultant (INC) assigned to this Club," per league rules. "If the INC concurs with the Club physician that the player's concussion has resolved, he may participate in the Club's next practice or game."
This is speculation because the Jets didn't officially say which step of the program is in, but it's a safe bet to think that, though, because of the Injury Report. Quarterbacks aren't getting hit in practice, but being listed as a full participant means that there weren't any restrictions on him in the practice. It wouldn't be shocking to see Fields get evaluated on Friday after a full practice on Thursday and then see if the team officially makes an announcement for Monday.
All in all, this is a great sign and it's a safe bet that barring some sort of setback, that Fields will be back under center against the Miami Dolphins.
Lions-Giants trade pitch adds $31 million missing piece to Detroit's defense
No matter what Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes say, the team has a major concern along the edge.
While the Lions will be getting Aidan Hutchinson back from injury this season, the situation across from him is troubling. Marcus Davenport will get the nod opposite Hutchinson, but he's anything but reliable given his injury history and lackluster career production.
The Lions should be scouring the market for any chance to upgrade the position from now until the trade deadline and one player to keep an eye on is New York Giants edge rusher, Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Thibodeaux was recently listed among trade candidates by Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox and the Lions were listed as a potential suitor.
Here's the deal Knox is proposing:
- Giants get: 2026 second-round pick
- Lions get: EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux
The Giants' former No. 5 overall pick, Thibodeaux has tallied 21 sacks in 43 games over three seasons in the NFL. He had a career-high 11.5 sacks in 2023 and posted another 5.5 in 12 games in 2024.
Not elite production by any stretch, but the Lions don't need an elite edge rusher. Thibodeaux is more than sufficient to take pressure off Hutchinson and he could really explode with defenses so focused on the Michigan product.
The problem is that Thibodeaux isn't likely to be available this early.
After all, Giants head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen are fighting for their jobs and Thibodeaux is an important piece to the defense.
That said, there is a realistic scenario where the Giants are out of it by the trade deadline and decide to sell off some pieces, including Thibodeaux, who is set to enter the final year of his $31 million rookie deal in 2026.
The Lions should be fine with their current group for the regular season, so they can afford to wait until Thibodeaux is available. And if that happens, Detroit absolutely should pounce.
