New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn was very cryptic when discussing his first-team players earlier this week ahead of facing the Pittsburgh Steelers in his team's second preseason contest.
Whether or not a team will put their starters on the field during exhibition games is always a week-to-week question during this time of the NFL year.
It especially is for the Jets after No. 1 quarterback Geno Smith was a late scratch for New York's preseason opener last week. Because of an ankle injury Smith sustained late last week, fourth-round rookie Cade Klubnik took the first snap of the game instead.
Initially, Glenn did not give a straight answer on the starter question ahead of facing the Steelers.
"The players are going to change but things can change,"
Glenn said.
Now thanks to a report, we might know one answer.
According to SNY, Smith is going to make his preseason debut for the Jets:
Sources: #Jets QB Geno Smith will start tomorrow’s game against the #Steelers
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) August 20, 2026
The Jets traded for Smith earlier this offseason. He is the presumed starter but getting his feet wet--if healthy--is important for the QB.
Based on Klubnik's strong play in place of Smith in the preseason opener, he will likely be the second quarterback to play for the Jets in Pittsburgh on Friday evening.
Glenn's full initial thoughts on starters playing against the Steelers can be found below:
Aaron Glenn was asked if Geno Smith and the Jets' starters are going to play in Friday night's preseason game:
— SNY Jets (@snyjets) August 19, 2026
"The players are going to play. Things can change as we get closer to game time." pic.twitter.com/7HgcfsK4Z7
Jets Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 NFL season.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Will Geno Smith, Jets starters play vs. Steelers? (report)
