Geno Smith leaves Jets-Bills game after head and ankle injuries, Cade Klubnik takes over

Smith leaves after hit and ankle injury

New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith left Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills after taking a big hit from Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard just before halftime. Smith was evaluated for a concussion and did not emerge for the start of the second half.

The Jets announced Smith was out for the rest of the game in the fourth quarter because of an ailing ankle. It was uncertain when the injury occurred.

Smith was 9 of 16 for 113 yards against the Bills before leaving the first time.

Klubnik makes NFL debut

Rookie Cade Klubnik opened under centre for the third quarter in Smith's place to make his NFL debut. Klubnik was a fourth-round pick from Clemson and won the job to be Smith's backup. The Jets also have Will Levis on the practice squad.

Klubnik led a scoring drive that was capped by Jason Sanders' 22-yard field goal that made it 10-9. Klubnik completed two passes for 39 yards and scrambled twice for 19 yards, putting the Jets in scoring position. With New York on the Buffalo 4 on third down, Klubnik's pass to the end zone fell incomplete.

The Bills had a 10-6 halftime lead.

Other injuries

Jets rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. injured an ankle on New York's first offensive play. Left guard Dylan Parham hurt a knee early in the second quarter.

Sources

• sportsnet.ca: Jets QB Geno Smith leaves game against Bills after multiple injuries - Sportsnet.ca
• nbcsports.com: Cade Klubnik in for Jets, Geno Smith being evaluated for a concussion - NBC Sports

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