After all, New York Jets fans will not be getting their first look at quarterback Geno Smith in the team’s preseason opener tonight.
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Smith will not play in tonight’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to foot soreness.
“It’s nothing the team is concerned about, and if this was a regular-season game, he’d be a go. But for now, a cautionary route for the team,” Garafolo added.
It appears that fourth-round rookie Cade Klubnik will pick up the first-team reps as Gang Green kicks off their first preseason game in less than an hour.
As we broke down earlier today, fans should look for Klubnik to make a few nice deep passes and simply look like he belongs on an NFL field.
The Clemson product remains the favorite for the team’s QB2 job, and tonight will be a big test as it’s not only his first preseason game, but he will also start the game and play with New York’s starters on short notice.
While it’s disappointing that fans won’t get a look at Smith tonight, it’s better for the team to be cautious than force him onto the field for a preseason game where he could worsen the soreness.
Klubnik reportedly hasn’t gotten many first-team reps throughout the summer, which was expected, so it will be interesting to see how he plays with the team’s starting offensive line and notable weapons such as Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall.
While he wasn’t expecting this opportunity, the fourth-round rookie now has a prime chance to strengthen his case for the Jets’ QB2 role.
