Geno Smith returned to the New York Jets hoping to rewrite the ending of a tenure that fell apart 10 years ago. But with just a few weeks to go before the 2026 season kicks off, the veteran quarterback is now dealing with an injury that could pave the way for one rookie QB to get more meaningful reps: Cade Klubnik. Smith missed the Jets' preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to left ankle soreness.
The injury is considered relatively minor, and he's been listed as day-to-day despite continuing to participate in practice. Even so, head coach Aaron Glenn has hinted that Smith could sit out the Jets' next preseason matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday as a precaution. Klubnik started in Smith's place in the opener and looked good in his NFL preseason debut, completing 5 of 7 passes for 56 yards while leading the Jets' first two scoring drives of the game, which ended in a 27-yard field goal from Cade York and a 31-yard rushing touchdown from Braelon Allen.
Klubnik reportedly looked good again in practice Wednesday, going 3-for-3 during the red-zone drill with completions to wide receiver Garrett Wilson, tight end Jelani Woods and running back Kene Nwangwu. "I think every time he practices, he's getting better and better and better," Glenn said of the rookie QB after practice. "But I also like the fact that those mistakes that he makes in practice, we're able to coach him and he understands those mistakes." More news: Eagles’ $100 Million Man in Doubt for Week 1 More news: Could the Texans Bring Back a Familiar Face After Losing Jayden Higgins?
Smith was heavily taped up at practice again Wednesday, while Klubnik continued to show the strong rapport he's building with the first-team offense. With the Steelers game less than 48 hours away, it looks like the former Clemson quarterback will get another chance to prove his worth to Glenn and the rest of the Jets' coaching staff. Smith is still the presumed Week 1 starter, but he's also 35 years old and coming off his worst season in years.
He threw for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns, and a league-leading 17 interceptions across 15 games with the Las Vegas Raiders last season. If Smith struggles again in 2026, Glenn, who enters the season firmly on the hot seat, may have no choice but to turn to the young Klubnik. More news: 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan Reveals Real Reason Behind Christian McCaffrey’s Absence
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