Cade Klubnik spotlight as Geno Smith may debut vs Steelers
Rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik started the Jets' preseason opener and could again factor Friday as Geno Smith eyes his debut at Pittsburgh. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., with head coach Aaron Glenn planning to play starters after Smith practiced through ankle soreness that kept him out last week.
Key Takeaways
- Geno Smith is expected to make his 2026 preseason debut Friday night when the Jets visit the Steelers at 7 p.m.
- Cade Klubnik started last week vs. Tampa Bay, going 5 of 7 for 56 yards and leading two scoring drives.
- Aaron Glenn plans to play starters, as he did against the Buccaneers, while managing Smith's workload ahead of Week 1 vs. the Titans.
- DT T'Vondre Sweat and edge Joseph Ossai returned to practice on a pitch count; any Pittsburgh snaps would likely be limited.
- Fans tracking broadcast options can check BlasterPost's Streaming & TV Alerts hub.
Is Cade Klubnik still in the mix after starting last week?
Yes. According to the New York Jets, Klubnik got the start against Tampa and put together two scoring drives while completing 5 of 7 passes for 56 yards.
"Just being able to be in a really unique situation, in a unique game, and put some drives together, that was fun," Klubnik said. He also noted mistakes he wants to learn from quickly, with teammates having his back.
Will Geno Smith start Friday's Jets-Steelers preseason game?
Multiple reports point that way. SNY's Connor Hughes, via NBC Sports, said Smith will start Friday after dealing with foot soreness that sidelined him for the Buccaneers opener. The Jets described the issue as ankle soreness and confirmed he practiced this week.
"He's a competitor, and he wants to make sure he gets those reps in," Glenn said. The coach stressed being smart with Smith ahead of the regular-season opener against Tennessee. Fantasy notes also suggest Smith may only play a series or two.
Why does this preseason snap plan matter for Week 1?
Glenn has ramped first-unit work in camp, reaching about 40 snaps heading into Pittsburgh, with plans for 50 next week and a late scrimmage near 65. He wants players calloused for a full game pace.
Last week, the first-team offense ran one drive that produced a field goal, and the first-team defense played two series and forced two punts. Roster cuts are due by 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30, so depth players still have two chances to make tape.
CBS News New York also framed the Pittsburgh trip around Smith's first preseason start, underscoring how closely the quarterback picture is being watched ahead of the lone road preseason game.