League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Jets highlight five standout players in preseason opener against Buccaneers

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 16, 2026, 1:17 AM

Last updated Aug 16, 2026

Jets highlight five standout players in preseason opener against Buccaneers

Summary

The New York Jets completed their first preseason game of 2026 on August 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium. Rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik started due to a Geno Smith ankle injury, completing 5 of 7 passes. Will McDonald recorded a sack, while Braelon Allen showcased his skills with a 31-yard touchdown run. Mory Bamba impressed with four pass breakups, and Jason Sanders converted a 47-yard field goal. The performance of these players could influence roster decisions as the team moves forward in the preseason.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Cade Klubnik starts due to Geno Smith's injury.
•Will McDonald records a sack in limited action.
•Braelon Allen scores on a 31-yard run.
•Mory Bamba breaks up four passes.
•Jason Sanders makes a 47-yard field goal.

Latest Updates

1:17 AMYahoo Sports — Five Jets winners from the preseason opener against the Buccaneers

What they're saying

"
The Jets’ first preseason game of 2026 is in the books. Let’s talk about five players who helped themselves. Cade Klubnik: Klubnik got a surprise start in the preseason opener due to a Geno Smith ankle injury. Any rookie quarterback tends to get overanalyzed in exhibition games. Klubnik didn’t do anything spectacular, but he was […]
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

New York Jets Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Football