Preseason Updates: New York Jets

The Footballguys staff gives you all the preseason tidbits from the New York Jets.

Phil Alexander's Preseason Updates: New York Jets Phil Alexander Published 08/31/2026

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Updates from Week 4

Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks

Geno Smith followed up last week's near-perfect preseason debut against the Steelers with a pair of sharp final practices. In the team's last practice before Friday's preseason finale against the Giants, Smith led a crisp scoring drive in a two-minute drill, connecting twice with Garrett Wilson and Mason Taylor before threading a pass up the middle to rookie Omar Cooper Jr. for the touchdown. To a man, Jets players have marveled at Smith's calm and firm leadership, in and out of the huddle. "I think leadership comes with preparation. When guys know that you're prepared, they don't mind following you," Smith said. "I lead by example, I lead through my play, and I want those guys to feel my passion and how bad I want to win." Rookie Cade Klubnik had a strong training camp and remains the likely choice to back up Smith, though the Jets could still seek a veteran through a trade or waiver claim. Klubnik struggled in Friday's loss to the Giants, finishing 6-for-13 for 59 yards with an interception, and though he led a scoring drive, he didn't complete a pass on it. "I thought Cade was up and down," Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said. "There are some little bitty things that we've got to fix." Bailey Zappe was released Saturday, leaving Brady Cook, who went 0-for-4 as an undrafted rookie last season, third on the depth chart.

Preseason Updates: Running Backs

Breece Hall is progressing in his recovery from last week's groin injury and was reportedly moving well doing agility drills on a side field Monday, with the Jets continuing to target Week 1 for his return. Braelon Allen has continued running with the starters in Hall's absence, posting rushing and receiving touchdowns in Tuesday's practice. Despite No. 3 running back Isaiah Davis logging his first on-field work in weeks, The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt is skeptical of his readiness for Week 1 and speculates the Jets could add a running back off the waiver wire if Davis isn't available after missing most of training camp with a knee injury. Kene Nwangwu is fourth on the depth chart but is primarily a kick returner.

Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers

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