New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields was tackled and hit the ground hard late in the Week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday afternoon.
Field's head bounced off the ground, and he was forced to come off the field. After he was briefly looked at on the sideline and in the blue medical tent, Fields was taken into the locker room and evaluated for a concussion. It was confirmed by the team following the game.
Justin Fields has a concussion, per #Jets. This now could impact his availability for next week.
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) September 14, 2025
The NFL has increased its concussion testing over the past few seasons. Fields exited with the game well in hand for the Bills in the fourth quarter, but now his availability in Week 3 is likely in question.
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Here is more on how long Fields will miss due to the concussion he sustained in Week 2.
How long will Justin Fields be out?
The NFL has a specific set of qualifications that a player must meet to be eligible to return from concussion protocol to game. A player must be cleared by an independent neurologist.
Overall, there are five phases of the NFL's concussion protocol. Symptom-limited activity, aerobic exercise, football-specific exercise, club-based non-contact training drills and then full football activity/clearance.
Symptom limited activity
In this phase, players are asked not to engage in much activity. They must rest during this period and limit anything that could aggravate their symptoms. Eventually, players will be allowed to do limited stretching and light aerobic exercises, so long as team training staff are supervising.
Aerobic exercise
Players will start to work on cardio exercises along with stretching and training, with team medical staff supervising. After this phase, players can start working on balance testing.
Football-specific exercise
In the third stage, players can take part in football-specific exercises and start working with the team for up to 30 minutes under supervision. Players are also able to increase their cardio workloads.
Club-based non-contact training drills
Players reaching the fourth stage are able to start throwing, catching and running and engage in position-specific activities. They also can continue to ramp up their exercise and training. By end of this phase, players have to have to finish neurocognitive and balance testing.
Full football activity/clearance
The player has to be cleared by both the team physician and the independent neurological consultant to return to full activity.
When Fields is able to return is up to him and how well he recovers from the potential concussion and then being cleared by an independent neurologist.
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Jets upcoming schedule
Here are the Jets' next five games.
| Week | Team |
| 3 | at Buccaneers |
| 4 | at Dolphins (MNF) |
| 5 | vs. Cowboys |
| 6 | vs. Broncos (London) |
| 7 | vs. Panthers |