NFL

Geno Smith sidelined by ankle injury in Jets' defeat to Bills

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Nov 16, 2026, 04:03 IST

New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith exited Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills with an ankle injury, marking his second health scare of the afternoon during a 31-12 loss at MetLife Stadium.

Geno Smith sidelined by ankle injury in Jets' defeat to Bills

New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith saw his afternoon cut short on Sunday after sustaining an ankle injury during the third quarter of a 31-12 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The veteran signal-caller was forced to leave the field at MetLife Stadium with 4:26 remaining in the period following a hit from Bills safety Cole Bishop on an incomplete pass.

Smith was observed walking gingerly toward the sideline immediately after the play. He was subsequently evaluated in the medical tent before being escorted to the locker room, effectively ending his participation in the contest. His departure occurred shortly before the Jets managed a field goal, which narrowed the Buffalo lead to 17-12 at the time.

A difficult day for the Jets offense

The injury capped a physically demanding game for Smith, who had previously played every offensive snap for the team through the first nine games of the season. Earlier in the match, the quarterback was subjected to a heavy hit from two Buffalo defenders just before halftime. That collision necessitated a concussion evaluation, which forced him to miss the opening series of the third quarter. Although he was medically cleared to return and managed to lead one series, the subsequent ankle injury ultimately sidelined him for the remainder of the game.

Klubnik makes professional debut

With Smith ruled out, rookie Cade Klubnik was called upon to take over under center. The fourth-round draft pick out of Clemson, who had served as the primary backup for the duration of the season, made his official NFL debut in relief. While the team struggled to overcome the deficit, the appearance marked the first professional game action for the young quarterback. The loss leaves the Jets to assess the status of their starting quarterback as they look ahead to their upcoming schedule.