Geno Smith Exits Jets-Bills Game After Hit, Cade Klubnik Takes Over

New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith exited Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills after absorbing a hard hit and was replaced by backup quarterback Cade Klubnik, according to the New York Post.

Smith left the game just before halftime. Buffalo's TJ Parker and Terrel Bernard hit Smith in mid-air just after he threw the ball. Parker hit Smith's legs, while Bernard's shoulder slammed into his chest. Smith landed on his back, and his Jets teammates immediately waved trainers over, who helped Smith off the field.

Smith went into the blue medical tent, but came out and was seen on the Jets' bench talking to coaches shortly thereafter, the New York Post reported. RotoWire reported that Smith subsequently returned to the team's bench as opposed to going to the locker room.

Prior to exiting, Smith completed nine of 16 passes for 113 yards, according to RotoWire.

Backup quarterback Cade Klubnik came in to replace Smith at the start of the second half, the New York Post reported. Yahoo Sports reported that Klubnik took the field with the offense to start the second half. The Jets announced that Smith was being evaluated for a concussion.

The Jets selected Klubnik in the fourth round of April's NFL Draft out of Clemson, according to Yahoo Sports. Sunday's appearance against the Bills marked his first NFL action in a regular season game. He entered in a competitive game with the Jets in position to mount an upset challenge.

At halftime, the Bills led the Jets 10-6, according to the New York Post and Yahoo Sports. Jason Sanders kicked a 27-yard field goal, his second of the day, to end the drive, the New York Post reported.

The game took place at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 15, 2026, according to the New York Post and Yahoo Sports.

Sources

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