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Jets' Geno Smith Ruled Out vs Buccaneers, Paving Way for Rookie QB
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Right before the New York Jets kicked off their first preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday, they made a major change at quarterback.
Just hours before kickoff, NFL Media's Mike Garafolo reported that starting quarterback Geno Smith won't be available for the game due to foot soreness. According to the report, the Jets aren't concerned about the injury and wouldn't sideline him if this were a regular-season matchup. But with it being the team's preseason opener, they're not taking any chances.
That opens the door for another quarterback to take over: fourth-round rookie Cade Klubnik, who is listed on the Jets depth chart as Smith's backup ahead of Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe.
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Klubnik is coming off a strong four-year college career at Clemson, where he established himself as one of the best signal-callers in the country. Over 49 games, he threw for 10,123 yards, 73 touchdowns, and just 24 interceptions, never throwing double-digit picks in a season, while completing 64% of his passes. He also showed off his dual-threat ability, rushing for 878 yards and 17 touchdowns over that span.
His best season came in 2024, when he threw for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns, and six interceptions, along with 463 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns, leading the Tigers to a 10-4 record and a College Football Playoff berth. He's reportedly impressed throughout camp, showcasing the arm talent, deep-ball accuracy, and poise that made him one of the top-rated quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Friday night at MetLife Stadium was supposed to be Smith's chance to show what he's got left after returning to the franchise this past offseason. Instead, it'll be Klubnik's turn to shine, working with the rest of the Jets' first-team offense.
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