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Jets bench Geno Smith vs. opener with foot soreness

8/15/2026

44 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Jets listed quarterback Geno Smith inactive for the opener because of foot soreness, with coach Aaron Glenn saying it is “nothing to be alarmed about.”
Rookie Cade Klubnik started the preseason, first Jets rookie starter since J.J. Jones (1975) and Zach Wilson (2021), completing five of seven passes for 56 yards.
Klubnik leads the No. 2 competition, while Bailey Zappe threw two interceptions (one pick-six) and Brady Cook performed poorly.

History

Historical Context

1975 saw the Jets start J.J. Jones—its first African-American quarterback—as the franchise’s first rookie starter, completing 8 of 15 passes for 112 yards in a 24-17 loss to New England. The gamble echoed earlier risks, such as renaming the Titans the Jets in 1963 and drafting Joe Namath, who delivered Super Bowl III victory. Quarterback turnover remains a recurring theme into 2024 season.

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Story summary

Jets listed quarterback Geno Smith inactive for the opener because of foot soreness, with coach Aaron Glenn saying it is “nothing to be alarmed about.”
Rookie Cade Klubnik started the preseason, first Jets rookie starter since J.J. Jones (1975) and Zach Wilson (2021), completing five of seven passes for 56 yards.
Klubnik leads the No. 2 competition, while Bailey Zappe threw two interceptions (one pick-six) and Brady Cook performed poorly.

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