Geno Smith Returns to Spotlight as Jets Face Steelers: What to Watch Tonight

Surge Sports Daily — Friday, August 21, 2026

Geno Smith's second Jets chapter reaches the field

For the first time in nearly a decade, Geno Smith is poised to play a game in a New York Jets uniform. That alone makes Friday night's preseason matchup between the Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers more interesting than the typical August exhibition. Smith missed New York's preseason opener against Tampa Bay after dealing with ankle soreness, but returned to practice this week. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn plans to play his starters in Pittsburgh, and the team's official preview says Smith could make his preseason debut. The Jets enter the game 0–1 in the preseason after losing 24–16 to Tampa Bay. Pittsburgh is 1–0. For Glenn, however, Friday is less about the preseason standings than establishing some offensive rhythm before the games begin to count.

REPORTING: Smith is back, but Hall won't be beside him

One significant piece of New York's offense will be missing. Running back Breece Hall has been dealing with a groin injury. NFL.com reported earlier this week that Hall is expected to be ready for the Jets' regular-season opener against Tennessee, making caution in August the obvious approach. That creates a larger opportunity for Braelon Allen. Allen ripped off a 31-yard touchdown run against Tampa Bay, and his workload becomes one of the most interesting Jets subplots tonight. If Allen can build on his opener, New York could leave Pittsburgh feeling considerably better about the physical identity of its backfield.

The backup quarterback competition matters too

Smith will command most of the attention, but the snaps after he exits could ultimately have greater roster consequences. Rookie Cade Klubnik performed well after Smith was scratched against Tampa Bay, completing 5 of 7 passes for 56 yards and directing two scoring drives. Bailey Zappe, meanwhile, threw two interceptions. That makes every remaining preseason opportunity meaningful.

The Jets don't simply need a starter. They need to determine who they trust if Smith is unavailable during the regular season. Friday gives Glenn another important data point.

Pittsburgh has its own quarterback experiment

The Pittsburgh Steelers are approaching the position differently tonight.

Veteran quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph are not expected to play, according to Pittsburgh-area reporting, opening the door for the Steelers' younger quarterbacks to receive the meaningful snaps. That creates an unusual preseason dynamic. New York is trying to establish its veteran starting quarterback.

Pittsburgh is trying to evaluate the future behind its veterans. Both teams can therefore learn considerably more from Friday night than the final score will reveal.

ANALYSIS: What Surge Sports wants to see from the Jets

Forget whether New York wins 27–17 or loses 20–13. There are three more important questions. Does Smith look comfortable? He doesn't need to throw for 200 yards in August. New York needs to see clean operation of the offense, decisive reads and — most importantly — a healthy quarterback walking off the field. Can the Jets establish a running identity without Hall? Allen's opportunity is significant. If the Jets can run effectively while Hall is sidelined, Glenn gains another option once his No. 1 back returns.

Can somebody separate in the backup-QB race? Klubnik helped himself against Tampa Bay. Another composed performance could make the decision considerably easier. This is why preseason football remains useful even when established stars play only briefly. Coaches aren't necessarily searching for wins. They're searching for answers.

One more battle worth watching: kicker

New York also has an unresolved competition between Jason Sanders and Cade York.

Both performed well in the opener, with Sanders connecting from 47 yards. Friday offers another opportunity for one of them to create separation. A kicker competition isn't going to dominate television coverage in August. It can absolutely decide a regular-season game in October.

What's next

Jets-Steelers kicks off tonight at 7 p.m. ET in Pittsburgh, with NFL Network carrying the game nationally subject to applicable blackout restrictions. New York then concludes its preseason with a particularly interesting matchup: Giants at Jets on Friday, August 28 at 7:30 p.m. The Jets open the regular season at Tennessee on September 13. For now, all eyes are on Smith. His first Jets tenure began when New York drafted him in 2013. His career subsequently took him around the NFL before eventually bringing him back to the franchise where everything started.

Friday night won't determine whether the reunion succeeds.

But it represents the first real glimpse of what the Jets hope their new-old quarterback can become.

Surge Sports Analysis: 

If Smith looks healthy and the first-team offense functions efficiently, that's a successful night regardless of the scoreboard. If the protection breaks down, the offense struggles to create explosive plays or Smith shows lingering effects from the ankle issue, New York will leave Pittsburgh with legitimate questions and only one preseason game remaining.