All indications are that the New York Jets will start rookie quarterback Brady Cook against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Sunday's Week 15 matchup. The undrafted free agent will be making his first career start, as the Jets are dealing with injuries to both veteran quarterbacks, Tyrod Taylor and Justin Fields.
Fields was benched in favor of Taylor earlier this season. Fields then suffered an injury at practice leading up to Week 14 that sidelined him. With Cook upgraded to backup quarterback, Taylor suffered a groin injury against the Miami Dolphins that forced Cook into the game.
Both Fields and Taylor have missed every practice this week. The Jets responded by signing quarterback Adrian Martinez to the practice squad. Martinez was with the Jets throughout training camp and the preseason. Making that move at quarterback strongly suggests he'll back up Cook against the Jaguars this week.
"there were some things he did in the pass game that was very encouraging"
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 11, 2025
OC Tanner Engstrand on Brady Cook pic.twitter.com/DwU0dBqtTf
Cook did not look like an NFL-ready quarterback when thrust into action against the Dolphins. The former Missouri signal-caller completed 14-of-30 passing attempts (46.7%) for 163 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions. Cook also fumbled twice, but the Jets recovered both cough-ups. He was lucky to avoid a four-turnover day.
When self-critiquing his debut performance earlier this week, Cook admitted to seeing ghosts in the pocket. Not exactly what you want to hear from a rookie quarterback forced into the lineup. The Jets probably aren't entering Sunday with much confidence in Cook's ability.
In fairness, Cook also received zero assistance from his teammates. The Jets' pass-catchers were credited with six drops against the Dolphins. One of them was committed by John Metchie III on what would have been a walk-in touchdown.
Beautiful ball placement here from Brady Cook on what looks like a likely @nyjets TD but John Metchie logs Gang Green's fifth drop of the day. pic.twitter.com/XMFWJ6pJhh
— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) December 7, 2025
Cook also didn't get any first-team reps throughout last week's practice sessions. Asking an undrafted rookie quarterback to enter the game unexpectedly didn't create an ideal situation. Cook should be far better-prepared after receiving all of the first-team reps at practice this week.
The matchup is incredibly difficult, though. The 9-4 Jaguars sit atop a competitive AFC South and will be motivated to create some distance between themselves and the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts. It's a really tough spot for Cook's first career start.
The Jaguars' defense is well-coached by defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. Campanile is positioning himself to be a head coaching candidate this coming cycle. The Jaguars rank 11th in yards (310.4) and points (20.9) allowed this season.
Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand will likely craft a game plan designed to minimize Cook's impact. The offensive line is outstanding and fully healthy. Star running back Breece Hall was limited at Thursday's practice. If Hall can play, the Jets will attempt a run-heavy approach if the game isn't lopsided early.
Cook struggled throughout his first taste of regular-season action and admitted to displaying bad habits in the pocket. The film indicated he was slightly better than the lackluster box-score numbers show. If the Jets offense manages to play complementary team-game football, there's a pathway for Cook to avoid disaster.