Jets' Geno Smith Opens With TD vs Steelers

Geno Smith returned to the Jets in 2026 preseason and immediately led a 10-play, 69-yard opening drive that culminated in a 13-yard touchdown pass to Jelani Woods. He went 7-for-7 for 65 yards on his lone series, spreading targets to six different receivers and showing composure despite an uneven summer and recent practice inconsistencies. The performance offered a glimmer of quarterback stability for the Jets, with head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Frank Reich citing the potential for Smith to anchor the position amid a revolving door of Week 1 starters over the years. Cade Klubnik had mixed results on the second drive, underscoring the contrast between Smith’s efficiency and the rookie’s ongoing development. Reporting across outlets also frames Smith’s current run as part of a longer NFL arc, including a stint with the Raiders and prior Jets tenure, painting a broader comeback narrative. Early in the game the Jets held a 7-0 lead as their defense stalled Pittsburgh’s early drives, adding to the overall positive early sentiment around Smith’s return.