SNY: Geno Smith starting Friday’s preseason game

The Jets weren’t able to make many big plays in this one. Geno’s longest completion was a 43-yard connection to Breece Hall that Hall caught three yards beyond the line of scrimmage. There was not another pass completion longer than 17 yards on the day. That being said, Geno didn’t make many bad decisions and took what the Packers’ defense was giving him. The offensive line provided no push in the running game, so the Jets may need to let Geno play more aggressively if they’re going to put up more points. That could start in Week 3 against a Lions team that figures to score a lot of points.

Smith “added” six rushes for seven yards. Although it was not a productive day in fantasy football, it was a highly encouraging one in “real life.” At least for one game, the Jets’ blocking was 10x better than what Smith experienced in Las Vegas last season, and he took advantage by taking zero sacks and hitting several down-field passes to his talented skill corps. Three different receivers generated gains of 30-plus yards, but Omar Cooper Jr.'s was more of a catch-and-run. Unfortunately, the rookie injured his ankle in the process. Smith is going to be a “highs and lows” quarterback in even the best of years, but there is now reason to believe 2026 will not be all lows like 2025 was with the Raiders. The Packers will be a tougher opponent for the Jets’ home opener in week 2.

What this means is that Geno Smith has plenty of job security. Klubnik in the preseason completed 21 of 34, passes for 190 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception while taking four sacks. Klubnik would be a marked downgrade from Smith if the veteran misses time in 2026.

Reich has reportedly added wrinkles to the offense he deployed as head coach of the Colts and Panthers. At both of those stops his offenses were near the bottom of the league in most basic offensive metrics. Smith, meanwhile, has looked sharp as the team’s starting quarterback throughout training camp and in limited preseason snaps. He’ll look to bounce back from a nightmarish statistical 2025 season in Vegas. Jets players, including Garrett Wilson, told The Athletic that they have enjoyed the “player empowerment” that comes along with Reich’s coaching style and his offensive scheming, which leaves room for improvisation. The Jets offense could be functional as long as Smith, 35, is healthy and upright.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports that the team is not concerned about Smith’s foot soreness, writing, “if this was a regular-season game, he’d be a go.” Smith has reportedly been pushing the ball downfield in practice. Those hoping to catch a glimpse of the Jets’ passing attack will have to check back next week to see if the foot issue has been resolved. Rookie QB Cade Klubnik gets the start tonight.

Rogers said Smith in a recent camp practice challenged the Jets secondary downfield enough to open up short-area opportunities for his pass catchers. “He wants to push the ball down the field to the WRs and hopefully that opens up the quick underneath throws,” Rogers said, adding that the Jets tight ends and rookie WR Omar Cooper were functioning as the main short-area pass catchers. Coming off a disastrous 2025 campaign in Vegas, Geno will look to bounce back with the Jets this season. During his run with the Seahawks, Geno was among the league’s most accurate passers.

No charges are being brought and future action is contingent on new information or evidence being brought forward, per a police spokesman. Police were reportedly unable to determine the primary aggressor in the physical altercation. Smith’s home camera did not show any physical altercation occur between Smith and a woman. While it’s possible that there is more evidence to be seen, it seems safe to proceed as if there’s no reason to believe Smith will be held liable for whatever occurred here.

“We were informed yesterday evening that, during review, it was determined that this case is being further investigated by detectives,” the department said in a Tuesday morning statement. “It is active and we cannot release any additional information at this time.” The department had been sending mixed messages, saying it was “not an active case” but “still being reviewed.” We now know it is indeed still being investigated, leaving the situation very much up in the air. There will likely be another update before the week is through.

According to the California Post, a spokesperson for the Davie, Florida, police department said officers arrived at Smith’s residence at 4:40 PM ET on Sunday. They also noted that no one was taken into custody at the time, and there are conflicting reports on whether the situation remains under review or has been closed. The incident involves a woman named “Kristen” who claimed in a video she posted to Instagram that Geno “beat my a—" while also claiming he broke her computer. Smith can be seen in the video and is also seen speaking to police officers, but we don’t know much about the situation beyond that. The Jets have declined to comment on these reports at this time, but we’ll likely get more information on the matter in the near future. Smith joined the Jets on a one-year, $3.3 million contract this offseason and is expected to serve as the team’s QB1 in the second season under Aaron Glenn. ESPN’s Rich Cimini later reported that a police spokesperson said of the situation, “It is not an active case, but is still being reviewed before (a report) can be released.”

Reich bravely claimed, “I think his best football’s ahead of him.” Sure. Smith is coming off a year in which he ranked 29th in EPA per play, trailing only Cam Ward. He only appeared in 15 games and still led the NFL in sacks (55) and interceptions (17). A change in scenery was certainly in order for Geno, though he may be better off as a backup at this point in his career. With the Jets making an offer to Russell Wilson this week, it’s clear they aren’t satisfied with the state of their quarterback room. Geno can be penciled in as the Week 1 starter, but it’s unlikely he keeps that job through the end of the season.