Things are changing for the New York Jets, and it’s not just because of their recent run of victories.

Injuries could potentially leave the Jets in an interesting spot going into a Week 13 contest against the Miami Dolphins. With backup quarterback Justin Fields dealing with a lower-body injury, the organization named undrafted free agent signal-caller Brady Cook as the backup to Tyrod Taylor earlier this week.

Now, they’ve committed to Cook in a more official capacity.

The Jets announced on Saturday that they have signed Cook, along with fellow undrafted rookie Jordan Clark, to their active roster.

We have signed CB Jordan Clark & QB Brady Cook to the active roster.

We’ve also elevated DB Tre Brown & DB Nik Needham.

Additionally, we’ve placed CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr. & LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball on the injured reserve.

— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 6, 2025

Cook, a Missouri product who improved throughout camp, had been on the practice squad for the first three months of the season. Now, he is just an injury away from seeing the field on an NFL Sunday.

It will be Cook’s third game of the season as New York’s backup. He suited up for the Jets’ Week 3 game in Tampa Bay and their Week 8 game against Cincinnati but did not appear in either contest.

When New York first decided to bench Fields following a difficult loss to the New England Patriots on November 13, questions began to rise about whether Cook would become the team’s second quarterback the rest of the way. After initially denying the chance of that happening, Glenn is left with no choice due to Fields’ injury.

For most organizations, a UDFA seeing the field for the first time in his rookie season is usually a recipe for disaster. Cook, though, has shown the Jets that he is ready for more.

“He’s a very fiery guy,” Glenn said. “The one thing that we do quite a bit in practice is we have a number of competition periods… He looks forward to it, he always asks when those opportunities are going to come for him to get a chance to do it, and we make sure we give him those reps.”

Cook initially struggled when he signed with the Jets back in April. His overall improvement and development, however, have paved the way for him to be given more trust and responsibility in 2025.

That is what the 24-year-old is most excited for on Sunday.

Brady Cook excited for new role

At Missouri, Cook was among the most accomplished signal-callers in program history. He threw for over 9,251 yards and 50 touchdowns while adding 1,262 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground.

After battling Adrian Martinez for a roster spot in the preseason, Cook is preparing himself to see the field in an NFL game that counts.

“It’s exciting,” Cook said on Friday. “Obviously, from a personal level, you’re always looking for that next opportunity, and this is mine… to back up Tyrod this week, it’s a pleasure, I’m excited.”

New York could have done several different things following Fields’ injury on Friday. They could have signed a veteran off the open market or plucked a quarterback off another team’s practice squad.

The fact that they avoided signing a veteran, instead trusting in the development of Cook, serves as a strong reminder of their commitment to putting young players in the best positions to succeed.

Time will tell if Cook looks overwhelmed should he see the field at any point. But Gang Green needs to see what they have in the rookie eventually.