New York Jets rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik is prepared for the possibility of stepping into a starting role, having been named the team's No. 2 quarterback behind Geno Smith. The team's decision to place a rookie in that position over a veteran has drawn attention, but head coach Aaron Glenn expressed confidence in Klubnik's readiness.
"He wouldn’t be our No. 2 if we didn’t have a true belief in who he was as a person, a player, as quarterback, as someone who can lead this team," Glenn said. "That’s a very valued position. You look across the league — it just happened the first game of the season."
Klubnik acknowledged the reality of his position after witnessing a backup quarterback enter a game due to injury. "It’s definitely a reality check for sure," Klubnik said. "My wife and I are watching that like, ‘Dang. Hey Drew [Lock] is in.’ But I’m just trying to be the best teammate I can be for everybody else and just get Geno in the best possible situation."
The team's strategy also involves giving Klubnik maximum practice repetitions to aid his development. He has been running the scout team this week, a role he hasn't occupied since his freshman year of high school. Klubnik emphasized the importance of mental preparation and constant review of the game plan.
"Mental reps, man. You know every second counts," Klubnik stated. "And you know just watching the tape over and over and learning the game plan and always being ready. I did that my freshman year of college. You just gotta stay ready. And you’ve got to prepare every single week like you’re the starter because you never know when your moment might come and it might never come. But I’m prepared."
In other team news, running back/kick returner Kene Nwangwu was ruled out due to back tightness. Wide receiver Tim Patrick has been placed on injured reserve with a groin injury, and Jason Sanders has been elevated from the practice squad to handle kicking duties.