The Jets open the preseason Friday night at MetLife Stadium against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Todd Bowles’ team arrived early in the area, however, as the two teams are conducting joint practices ahead of the exhibition opener.
The first joint practice had a number of storylines. Second overall pick David Bailey returned to the field after suffering a minor ankle injury over the weekend, and by all accounts looked like a difference maker.
Quarterback Geno Smith, on the other hand, had a rough practice.
Of course this is only one practice. You can’t really judge too much based on a single day of work in the summer.
This was, however, a first chance for the Jets to test themselves against outside competition. I wouldn’t be surprised if Bailey thriving and Smith struggling were two of the recurring themes of the 2026 season.
As frequently happens during training camp joint practices, things got a bit chippy.
This is no shock. These guys have been waiting all summer to be able to hit opponents.
In scary news, Qwan’tez Stiggers collapsed during the practice and was taken off the field by ambulance. Aaron Glenn confirmed that Stiggers was conscious and able to talk.
The teams are scheduled to conduct a second joint practice tomorrow before playing in Week 1 of the preseason Friday night.
