Jets Start Rookie QB Brady Cook Against Jaguars Amid Crisis

The New York Jets’ quarterback crisis reaches a new low this Sunday. Undrafted rookie Brady Cook will make his first career NFL start. The Jets (3-10) face the leading Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4) on the road in Week 15.

Coach Aaron Glenn confirmed the move Friday. Starter Tyrod Taylor (groin injury) and backup Justin Fields (knee soreness) are both out. Cook, a rookie from Missouri, will be the first undrafted Jets QB to start since J.J. Jones in 1975. Adrian Martinez, signed to the practice squad this week, serves as the backup.

Cook’s Preparation and Outlook

Cook got all the first-team reps in practice. This preparation should help him compared to his debut. Last week, the Dolphins forced him into the game trailing 21-0.

• Coach’s Confidence: Head Coach Aaron Glenn expressed strong belief in the rookie. Glenn stated, “I have all the confidence in the world [in Cook]. He’ll be a good player in this league.”
• College Success: Cook finished his five-year career at Missouri with 9,008 passing yards and 49 passing touchdowns. He also rushed for 20 touchdowns. He led the Tigers to an 11-2 record in his final season.

Jets Injury Report: Non-QBs Ruled Out

The team confirmed several other key players are out, worsening the Jets offensive struggles and defensive depth:

• TE Mason Taylor (Neck): Taylor did not practice all week. He misses his first game of the season. The rookie tight end was the Jets’ leading receiver just last week (5 catches, 51 yards). Jeremy Ruckert should see an increased role.
• CB Azareye’h Thomas (Shoulder): The rookie cornerback will miss the game with a shoulder injury. This puts more pressure on the team’s secondary depth. Thomas sustained the injury in the Week 14 loss.
• LB Kiko Mauigoa (Knee/Shoulder): The rookie linebacker did not practice. Mauigoa cleared concussion protocol last week but exited the game with a shoulder injury. He is officially ruled out with a knee injury designation.

Matchup Challenge

The Jets own the worst passing offense in the NFL. They face a strong Jaguars team fighting for the AFC South crown. The Jets will rely heavily on running back Breece Hall to take pressure off Cook.