Jets' Geno Smith has sore ankle, considered day-to-day after not playing preseason opener vs. Buccaneers

New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith missed the team's preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a sore ankle, according to head coach Aaron Glenn. Glenn stated that it was a precautionary decision and emphasized that there was nothing to be alarmed about. Smith is currently considered day-to-day and the Jets are not overly concerned about the injury, as it likely would not have kept him out if the game were part of the regular season.

In Smith's absence, fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik took the field and played a couple of series. He completed 5 of 7 passes for 56 yards and took a sack. Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook were the primary players as they compete for the third starting quarterback position. Smith, who has been with the Jets since 2016, had previously played for the New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, and Seattle Seahawks before struggling with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022.

The Jets acquired Smith from the Raiders in March, trading a 2026 sixth-round pick for his services. Klubnik, drafted 110th overall, will now have a better opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially become a long-term starter for the Jets.