New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith has been ruled out of the team's preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to foot soreness, according to NFL Network.
Despite the absence, the injury is not considered a long-term concern for the team. Reporter Mike Garafolo stated that Smith would be available to play in a regular-season game if needed, but the team is opting for a cautious approach.
Smith's return to the Jets marks a full-circle moment, as he was originally drafted by the franchise in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. His initial tenure with the team was marked by struggles, leading him to become a backup and eventually play for other teams, including the New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers.
Career Renaissance and Return to New York
Smith found significant success later in his career with the Seattle Seahawks. Serving as a backup to Russell Wilson, he stepped into a starting role after Wilson's trade to the Denver Broncos. This opportunity led to a career resurgence in 2022, earning him his first Pro Bowl selection and the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. He received a second Pro Bowl nod in 2023.
Following a less dominant 2024 season, Smith was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders. However, in the most recent offseason, he was traded back to the Jets, where he is projected to be the starting quarterback.
The upcoming 2026 NFL season begins in just one month. The Jets are looking to improve upon their performance last year, when they recorded the second-worst record in the league and extended their playoff drought to 15 consecutive seasons, the longest active streak in North American professional sports.
