The New York Jets are going to start the preseason without their top pilot.

Geno Smith will not play in the team’s preseason opener on Aug. 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The quarterback is dealing with foot soreness, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. It is just a precaution for the veteran signal-caller, who would play through the injury if it were during the regular season.

Smith was expected to play alongside many of the Jets starters, which would’ve represented his first game action with the team since his departure after the 2016 season.

Cade Klubnik will start instead as Smith’s replacement.

It will mark the former Clemson star’s pro debut after he was selected by the Jets with the 110th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Klubnik is considered a developmental quarterback by the Jets, who are hoping to tap into the talent that once made him one of the top prospects in the 2026 class. His play during the 2025 season saw his draft stock drop from a first-round pick to the fourth round.

As it stands, the rookie is considered the Jets’ insurance plan if Smith falters or falls victim to injury.

Now Aaron Glenn’s team will get an extended look at the early returns on their investment while protecting the 35-year-old Smith from further injuring his foot.