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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 4
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
The preseason closed with lingering concerns about Justin Fields and the Jets' passing game. Fields rested in Friday's finale, finishing the preseason 4-of-9 for 46 yards with no passing touchdowns, plus three rushes for 19 yards and a score. His average target depth of 3.9 yards suggests the staff views him more as a game manager than a threat to opposing defenses. When asked about stretching the field, Fields downplayed the lack of vertical throws. "Of course you want explosives, but we're not going to force it," he said. "If the defense plays deep, we're fine with taking 8- to 10-yard completions. It might not be as exciting for fans, but it's efficient ball." Offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand echoed the conservative approach: "If the defense gives him a shot, he'll take it. If not, we're fine checking down and moving to the next play, and we're all good with that." Head coach Aaron Glenn expressed confidence that Tyrod Taylor (knee) will be ready for Week 1, though he has not set a return date. If Taylor is unavailable, Brady Cook's performance on Friday likely locks him in as QB3 ahead of Adrian Martinez.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
The Jets' plan to use a committee backfield has fueled trade rumors around Breece Hall, who is entering the final year of his deal. Those whispers became loud enough that Glenn addressed them on Wednesday. "We have three good running backs, and I keep saying that," Glenn said. "They all have different skill sets that we're going to utilize. And that does not mean I'm trading Breece (Hall). I just love having three good guys. I wish I had more." Hall, Braelon Allen, and Isaiah Davis (ankle) were all rested Friday night. The buzz around Allen has been steady all summer, and he looks poised to begin the year in a rotation with Hall. Allen should handle short-yardage and third-down work, at least until Davis returns. "I think he's shown exactly who he can be when it comes to the running game," Glenn said about Allen. "I can't say off the top of my head how many yards he's averaging per play, but I think it's up there for the most part." Davis has now missed two weeks with his ankle injury and still has not returned to practice. ESPN's Rich Cimini speculated he could open the season on short-term IR, which would sideline him for at least four games. Friday's starter, Kene Nwangwu, is the team's No. 4 back.
