Rookie Cade Klubnik Replaces Geno Smith in Jets’ Loss to Bills
Rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik took over for the New York Jets on Sunday after Geno Smith left the game against the Buffalo Bills, first for a concussion evaluation and then for good with an ankle injury, with the Bills leading 24-12.
Rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik made his first NFL regular-season appearance for the New York Jets on Sunday, replacing starter Geno Smith twice in a game against the Buffalo Bills. Smith left first for a concussion evaluation and then for good with an ankle injury, with Buffalo leading 24-12.
The Jets selected Klubnik in the fourth round of April's NFL Draft out of Clemson.
Smith's trouble began on the final play of the first half. He was hit high and low after a pass, fell hard on his back and stayed down for several moments. He got up and walked to the sideline medical tent.
The Jets kicked a field goal after a third-down incompletion and went to halftime trailing 10-6. The team announced that Smith was being evaluated for a concussion.
Klubnik took the field to start the second half. He completed 2 of 4 passes for 39 yards and led a 61-yard field-goal drive that cut the deficit to 10-9.
Buffalo answered quickly. Josh Allen hit tight end Dalton Kincaid for a 54-yard gain on the Bills' first offensive play after that field goal. A few plays later Allen scored his second one-yard touchdown run of the afternoon, stretching the lead to 17-9.
Smith was cleared to return before the Jets got the ball back. The team said he had cleared concussion protocol, and he came back on the next possession after a Bills touchdown.
His return did not last. On the following possession, with the Bills ahead 24-12, Smith went out again in favor of Klubnik. This time the cause was an ankle injury.
The Jets first listed Smith as questionable to return. They ruled him out during the fourth quarter.
Jason Sanders kicked three field goals for Buffalo in the game, and Allen also ran for two touchdowns from one yard out.
The Jets have not said how long Smith could be out. They also have not said whether the concussion evaluation or the ankle injury will affect his availability for the team's next game.
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