The New York Jets were without quarterback Geno Smith in their 2026 NFL preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday at MetLife Stadium. Smith, 35, was a late scratch from the lineup. Following the 24-16 loss to the Bucs, New York head coach Aaron Glenn explained the reason was because of an ankle issue Smith is dealing with. The Jets traded for Smith to be their starting quarterback this offseason and the coach played down Smith taking the day off. "It's nothing to be alarmed about," Glenn said. Glenn went on to describe Smith's ankle as "sore" and indicated he was hurt during the team's second joint practice with the Buccaneers this past week. The Jets appear to be exercising caution. Without Smith, fourth-round rookie Cade Klubnik started for New York. Klubnik out performed fellow backup Bailey Zappe in a big way. Klubnik completed 5 of 7 passes for 56 yards and led the Jets to their only touchdown drive. Zappe had two interceptions including a pick six. For more from Glenn, see the attached clip below:
Coach Glenn says Geno Smith is day-to-day with a sore ankle and the team held him out as a precaution pic.twitter.com/MyxOQPr1My — New York Jets (@nyjets) August 15, 2026 Jets Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 NFL season. This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets' Aaron Glenn: Geno Smith did not play vs. Bucs because of injury