Cade Klubnik makes NFL debut as Geno Smith gets evaluated for concussion

New York Jets rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik went into Week 10 against the Buffalo Bills without an official NFL snap to his name, largely due to the solid play of quarterback Geno Smith. However, with the Jets trailing to end the first half, Klubnik was forced into action.

Smith took a hard shot from two Bills defenders on the Jets' final offensive play before the end of the half, which led to a Jason Sanders field goal that cut Buffalo's lead to 10-6 before halftime. Smith did not return to start the second half, as the veteran was being evaluated for a concussion. Klubnik finally saw his first pro action.

Klubnik's first NFL pass was a deadeye 29-yarder to a sliding Garrett Wilson deep down the field, and he followed that up with two scrambles that helped extend the drive. The Jets would ultimately kick a field goal, cutting the deficit to 10-9 in the third quarter. Klubnik finished 2-for-4 passing for 39 yards while running for 19 yards.

Editor's note: Geno Smith initially cleared concussion protocol and was back under center for New York with eight minutes to go in the third quarter. He suffered what looked like a knee injury on that possession, and Klubnik returned to the field.

Jets rookie QB Cade Klubnik debuts after Geno Smith suffers concussion

Klubnik is coming in during what is a very adverse situation. Not only is his team 2-7 and facing a favored division rival with an MVP candidate on the other sideline, but they also lost multiple offensive starters in left guard Dylan Parham and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., to injury.

In a sense, Klubnik is playing with house money. If he struggles, it's the result of a rookie in his first NFL game. If he thrives, he will be the toast of New York for at least one week. Of course, Aaron Glenn and the defense need to hold up their end of the bargain and keep the young Klubnik in this game for him to really strut his stuff.

Will the New York Jets see what they have in Cade Klubnik

Klubnik threw for just 16 touchdown passes against six interceptions during his final season at Clemson. The Jets are banking on the idea that they are getting the 2024 version of the former 5-star quarterback, as Klubnik tossed 36 touchdowns during his second season as the starter.

While Klubnik doesn't have the greatest arm in the world, and his up-and-down play against backups in the preseason is likely not going to do any favors, he does have an element of mobility to his game that Smith does not have at this moment in time. Will Frank Reich lean into that?

Smith will assuredly be the Jets' starter if he is healthy, but fans who want to see exactly what the fourth-rounder's long-term potential is may get their wish if Smith is sidelined for any extended period of time.

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