Justin Fields was a participant in 11-on-11 drills Monday for the first time since dislocating a toe on his right foot last week, but not a full participant.
In exactly what way the quarterback was limited, Jets coach Aaron Glenn declined to say.
“He was limited. But he was limited the way we wanted him to be limited,” Glenn said, refusing to get into further detail.
Most likely, that appears to be a reference to play-calling.
Fields did not run the ball at all and most of his throws Monday were quick and easy, without much movement in and around the pocket.
Presumably, that was a way of mitigating the risk of re-aggravating the injury. Fields had one pass batted down by Byron Cowart, but was otherwise perfect in team drills.
“He made some good throws out there,” Glenn said. “When Justin gets on the field, we’re gonna let him be who he is. There are some things he did today we were very pleased with, but there’s also some things he’s gotta get better at, too. He sees that. So yeah, he was out there with us. Every day, I look forward to him just getting better.”
It is crucial that Fields, who is playing for his third team in as many seasons and under his fourth offensive system in five, get as many reps as possible with the Jets while learning Tanner Engstrand’s offense.
There is no quarterback competition with the Jets, and the organization’s hopes of fielding a competitive team this season are very much invested in Fields after signing him to a two-year, $40 million deal during the offseason.
“He’s willing to learn day in and day out,” receiver Tyler Johnson said of Fields, who was benched by the Steelers last season after six starts. “Young guy and he has his best foot forward, day in and day out. You can just see it, the way he approaches practice, meetings. Very excited to see and be a part of what he’s doing this year, too.”
Offensive lineman Gus Hartwig went down with an apparent knee injury late in practice. Glenn said he was being evaluated.
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