Jets Announce Tyrod Taylor Decision For Patriots Matchup

The New England Patriots will be shorthanded against the New York Jets on Sunday, but the Jets depth is also being tested.

On Wednesday, the Jets placed Justin Fields on injured reserve, ending his season and potentially his time with the Jets. Brady Cook was named the starter regardless, but the depth behind him was in question. Tyrod Taylor has not played since Dec. 7 and was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. He was a non-participant on Friday.

The Jets announced that Taylor is inactive on Sunday, meaning Hendon Hooker will be the backup quarterback for the Jets. Hooker was elevated from the practice squad on Saturday. The Jets likely knew Taylor was unlikely to play.

Hooker was a third-round pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2024 NFL Draft. He played in three games for the Lions, throwing just nine passes. He was waived in August and signed with the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad. He was released before signing with the Jets’ practice squad in December.

While Cook will start, there is a chance Hooker sees the field. Cook has thrown six interceptions in three games. If the Jets feel Hooker can give them a spark, he could get in. He could also see the field in the case of a blowout.

Hooker was a star at the University of Tennessee. In his final season, he led the SEC in completion percentage and led FBS in yards per attempt. In his final two seasons with the Volunteers, he had 6,080 passing yards and 58 passing touchdowns.

Hooker ran for another 1,046 yards in his final two seasons of college football. He had 10 rushing touchdowns. He is an athletic quarterback, but has not seen many opportunities in the NFL. That could change on Sunday against the Patriots.