Geno Smith expected to make Jets preseason debut against Steelers

For New York Jets fans hoping to get their first (second?) look at Geno Smith in a green & white jersey on Friday night, SNY's Connor Hughes just reported that the veteran quarterback is expected to start New York's Week 2 preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Smith missed last week's matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as he nursed a sore foot, and the 35-year-old was reportedly a bit hobbled in practice throughout the week. But it seems he's healthy enough to get back on the field.

It seems we'll be getting a peek at the Jets' entire starting offense in Pittsburgh, minus running back Breece Hall, of course, and Smith will at least get a few reps in uniform.

How will the New York Jets manage preseason quarterback reps?

With Smith back in the starting lineup, expect him to play a similar amount to how quarterback Cade Klubnik did last Friday night against the Buccaneers.

Klubnik played the Jets' first offensive possession with the starting offense, and stayed on the field for a second drive with the second unit. Smith will likely play that first drive, and depending on how they look will likely determine whether the veteran stays on for a second drive.

Hopefully, that will mean an extended look at Klubnik after Smith comes out. There were many complaints from Jets fans that the rookie quarterback didn't play enough in the Jets' preseason opener.

It's fair to say we've seen enough of Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook. Those two are doing their best to compete for the QB3 job. Let them get the remainder of the reps in the second half.

Anything in the first half after Smith should go directly to Klubnik. The rookie needs as many reps as he can get if the Jets are going to trust him with the backup quarterback job.

Do the New York Jets need another option at quarterback?

As training camp and the preseason have progressed, it's become more obvious that outside of Smith, the Jets don't have a quarterback who could be trusted to start and not sink the offense.

New York wants to believe in Klubnik, and for good reason. He's shown the ability to stay calm, cool, and collected under the bright lights, but he's still a rookie. What if he gets tossed out there in a regular-season setting and flounders?

That's why it makes sense for the Jets to take a look around the league and find an experienced backup they could use in case of an emergency. Andy Dalton or Jimmy Garoppolo make the most sense, as both a trade target and a free-agent target, respectively.

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