The New York Jets have announced that veteran quarterback Geno Smith will start their upcoming preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This decision comes after Smith missed the team's preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to ankle soreness.
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed the decision, stating that while Smith experienced some soreness, he practiced throughout the week. "I just think there's soreness," Glenn said of Smith's ankle. "I think any player at this point knows that something is going to hurt at some point. He's a competitor and he wants to make sure he gets those reps in. The thing is that we want to be smart too about how we go about doing things when it comes to him and any of our players."
In the previous preseason game against the Buccaneers, the Jets' offense struggled, with rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik starting the matchup. Neither Klubnik, nor fellow quarterbacks Brady Cook or Bailey Zappe, managed to complete a touchdown pass. The team's only touchdown came from running back Braelon Allen. The Jets ultimately lost that game 24-16, with the Buccaneers scoring rushing touchdowns from quarterback Jalon Daniels and running back Josh Williams.
Smith, who has not played for the Jets in a decade, is expected to get game repetitions as the team prepares for the regular season. The coach emphasized the importance of being smart with player management during the preseason while also acknowledging Smith's competitive drive.