FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- One day after an injury scare that set social media ablaze with worst-case scenarios, New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields was back on the field, in full practice garb, itching to participate.
Fields, carted off Thursday morning with a dislocated toe on his right foot, was a bystander on Friday. Listed as day-to-day, he was held out for precautionary reasons. He showed no signs of a limp during stretching and warmups, but that was the extent of his participation. He did no throwing and no running.
He wanted in, though.
"That's who Justin is," coach Aaron Glenn said after practice. "I'd rather have a guy that I have to hold back than have to tell him to giddyup. He's built like that."
The Jets, known for quarterback calamities, averted disaster this time.
Glenn suggested the injury scare was blown out of proportion, saying, "The huge storm that was created really made no sense." But he did acknowledge there was initial concern. No coach wants to see his starting quarterback limping off the field with the help of a trainer, but their fears were allayed a short time later when tests revealed a minor injury.
Fields didn't injure his big toe, which was good news. The Jets didn't specify which one. It was stepped on by an offensive lineman, according to Glenn, who insisted there was no sense of relief when he learned the diagnosis.
"Well, the thing is, I don't think like that," he said. "The only thing I think about is that the next guy has to be ready to operate. That's how this league is."
Fields jogged out to the practice field, helmet in hand, and signed autographs for some young fans -- the first visual sign that he was OK. He remained on the field for the duration of the 90-minute practice, which meant a lot to teammates.
"Him being on the field brings good energy to the team," said backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who directed the offense. "He's one of our leaders. Obviously, him not being hurt for a long time is good news. Seeing him energized, back on the field, ready to compete ... yeah, it was good to have him out there."
While it's not a major injury, it shouldn't be easily dismissed, either. After all, Fields' greatest asset is his mobility. Since entering the league as the Chicago Bears' first-round pick in 2021, he has scrambled for 1,466 yards, fourth among quarterbacks, per ESPN Research.
Glenn downplayed any potential residual effects, saying they won't allow him to practice until he can perform without limitations.
"I'm not going to hold him back from being himself," said Glenn, adding, "I want him to be himself going through this."
After releasing Aaron Rodgers, the Jets signed Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract, including $30 million in guarantees. He was immediately anointed their starter, an opportunity for him to revive his career after three seasons with the Bears and one with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While he still has a lot to prove with his performance, Fields has won over teammates with his quiet leadership. That he was on the field a day after his injury certainly made an impression.
"His presence," guard John Simpson said, "means a lot."