How long is Justin Fields out?: Jets QB getting evaluated for a concussion in Week 2 vs. Bills

The New York Jets took on the Buffalo Bills in a divisional matchup in Week 2. Jets quarterback Justin Fields was tackled and hit the ground hard. 

The quarterback's head bounced off the ground, and he was forced to come off the field under suspicion of a concussion. After he was briefly looked at on the sideline and in the blue medical tent, Fields was taken into the locker room for further evaluation. 

The NFL has increased its concussion testing over the past few seasons. There are several steps players must pass in order to return to the field. With Fields getting hurt in the fourth quarter, his day is likely done in Week 2, but now his availability in Week 3 is what the Jets organization and its fans will be more concerned with. 

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Here is more on how long Fields will miss as he is evaluated for a concussion in Week 2.

How long will Justin Fields be out?

Returning from a concussion isn't like if the quarterback landed hard on his shoulder, and then just had to get to a point where he can throw and can go back into the game. 

With a possible concussion, the NFL has a specific set of qualifications that a player must meet to be eligible to return to the game. The main difference is that the player must get the okay from an independent neurologist who says that they are okay to return.

Overall, there are five phases that players must go through in order to return from a concussion. Symptom-limited activity, aerobic exercise, football-specific exercise, club-based non-contact training drills and then fool football activity/clearance. 

Symptom limited activity

In this phase, players are asked not to engage in much activity. They are supposed to 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 activities more specific to their position. They also can continue to ramp up their exercise and training. By end of this phase, players have to have undergone neurocognitive and balance testing.

Full football activity/clearance

The player has to be cleared by both the club physician and the independent neurological consultant to return to full activity.

When Fields is able to return is up to his body, how well he recovers from his concussion if he does have one, and then all of it getting signed off on by the independent neurologist. 

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