As winter inches closer, the 2025 NFL regular season has only four games left. Soon, 14 teams across the league will secure their playoff spots. As for the other 18 teams, some are trying to remain competitive, while the rest wish to make it out in one piece. The New York Jets would fall into the latter category. During last Sunday’s game vs. the Miami Dolphins, the Jets lost more than the game. Starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor suffered a groin injury early in the first quarter that kept him out of the game. Not to mention, Justin Fields, whom Taylor replaced as the starter, is managing a knee injury. With both men managing their injuries, the Jets are going to need all hands on deck vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars. Thus, undrafted free agent Brady Cook is set to make his first career start.
Injuries Force Next Man Up, Jets to Start Brady Cook at QB
With just under a month left in the Jets regular season, the fanbase is eager for the 2026 offseason. Due to their 3-10 record, New York is now 15 years removed from their last playoff appearance. Through drive stalling turnovers on offense and one of the longest streaks in league history without an interception on defense, much work remains. In the first season of a rebuild, both head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey have a long leash. However, the team still has a season to complete. The only problem is that injuries have depleted an already ineffective quarterback room.
Brady Cook would be the first undrafted rookie QB to start for the Jets in 50 years (almost to the day). What can you expect? More on Cook: #Jets https://t.co/D7BFXFlcfx
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) December 11, 2025
Entering the season, the offense was meant to be led by former Chicago Bears first-round pick Justin Fields. But by the time November rolled around, it became obvious why Chicago moved on from Fields in favor of Caleb Williams. While still a great athlete as a runner, NFL defenses are just too quick for Fields to make it through his reads. In fact, the Jets passing game, led by Fields, is the single worst in the league. Due to his limitations as a passer, New York handed the reins to journeyman Tyrod Taylor. While no longer the Pro Bowl caliber player he was with the Buffalo Bills, Taylor provided an upgrade as a passer. Just not a substantial one.
Undrafted Rookie Brady Cook Made NFL Debut Last Week
Now, things are dire. In the first quarter of last week’s game, Taylor was removed from the game due to a groin injury. The timing couldn’t be worse, as Justin Fields is currently managing a knee injury. As a result, undrafted rookie Brady Cook finished the game at quarterback. On the practice squad for the majority of the season, Cook’s struggles were evident early. However, the former Missouri Tigers quarterback was marred by dropped passes. Especially what would have been his first career touchdown had John Metchie held onto the ball for a walk-in touchdown.
OC Tanner Engstrand says possible starter Brady Cook has showed a "good, significant amount of progress" since OTAs. He said Cook must clean up ball security (2 INTs, 2 fumbles last week), but displayed "encouraging" signs in the passing game w/ progressions and rhythm. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) December 11, 2025
In the 34-10 loss last week, Cook completed 46% of his passes for 163 yards and two interceptions. In addition, he was sacked six times. He looked a far cry from the quarterback who had 71 career touchdowns at Missouri. One major benefit of Cook signing with New York was to reunite with his longtime right tackle, Armand Membou. Before being picked seventh overall, Membou was Cook’s right tackle at Missouri for three seasons. Nonetheless, Brady Cook is now the team’s starting quarterback.
What lies ahead this week is a hungry 9-4 Jacksonville Jaguars team looking to clinch the AFC South soon. While they feature a stellar offense led by Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville’s defense is 11th in the league in scoring. Despite struggles in their pass rush, it will be difficult for Brady Cook to overcome them. One can only hope this week of practicing with the starters can lead to a more effective outing, at least.
Main Photo: [Julian Leshay Guadai] – Imagn Images
