Jets' Geno Smith crushed on a massive hit, leads to concussion protocol on injury-filled day
Veteran quarterback returned after clearing protocol only to suffer an ankle injury that knocked him out of the 31-12 loss
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith had an injury-filled Sunday against the Buffalo Bills that saw a brief exit, his return and then an absence for good in the 31-12 loss to their AFC East foe.
The first injury that occurred came late in the second quarter when the veteran signal caller was trying to make a pass. Smith had just released the ball when he got clocked by Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard, while also being hit low by another defender.
Smith hit the MetLife Stadium turf hard, landing on his back and his head clearly smashed down onto the surface.
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New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith throws the ball before a game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Nov. 15, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
At first, it appeared Smith had the wind knocked out of him, but he was placed in concussion protocol because the replay clearly showed his head hitting the turf. That led rookie Cade Klubnik to come into the game to spell Smith, as he went through protocol.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Smith didn’t start the second half under center, but he eventually cleared the NFL’s protocol and could enter the game again. However, it didn’t last long.
After one possession led by Klubnik, Smith was seen on the field again, but he had to leave the game due to an ankle injury this time. It’s unknown what play exactly landed Smith out again, but he was seen walking to the locker room as the game started to get out of reach in the fourth quarter.
New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith looks on during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Nov. 15, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Smith was 13-of-21 for 148 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in the loss.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Meanwhile, Klubnik, a fourth-round pick out of Clemson, went 11-of-20 with one interception and no touchdowns after coming in for Smith.
With the loss, the Jets have now dropped five straight games, moving to a paltry 2-8 on the season.
New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith gets injured during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Nov. 15, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Now, there’s a key injury to monitor this upcoming week, as Smith will look to recover after getting rocked in yet another contest.