3 Studs & 3 Duds from Jets' Training Camp Practice (8/24): Geno Smith Builds Off Preseason Debut

Another week, another start to New York Jets training camp. By this time next week, the organization will be down to 53 players, highlighting the job ahead for general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn.

However, until that time, the Jets can focus their efforts on the final few practices of training camp ahead of the preseason finale against the New York Giants. As is always the case, there are plenty of studs and duds from the day of practice.

Let's get to the list now.

Stud: Geno Smith

New York has seen a different Geno Smith over the last week. Coming off a dominant preseason performance in which he didn't throw a single incomplete pass and led a touchdown drive, Smith was back on the field and looked quite strong in New York's move-the-ball period and in the red zone.

As always, it's important to remember that Smith can have weeks with excellent play and poor performances.

The highlight of the day was a touchdown pass from Smith to rookie Omar Cooper Jr., which displayed the former Indiana prospect's improved play. Over the last several days, though, Smith has come on. And provided Jets fans with further hope for the 2026 season.

Dud: Jets' kicking game

After the first couple of weeks of spirited competition, the Jets' kicking battle has devolved into a concerning conundrum. Cade York made 3-of-5 kicks, with misses from 38 and 43 yards. Not to be outdone, Jason Sanders went just 2-of-5 with three misses all around the 40-yard mark.

New York Jets kicker Jason Sanders (left) looks on after making a field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers. — New York Jets kicker Jason Sanders (19) hasn't done enough to separate himself from Cade York and win this kicker battle. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

While 40-yard kicks are never a guarantee, the Jets need better from this kicker battle. The longer these struggles go on, the more likely it is that New York's Week 1 kicker isn't actually on the roster.

Stud - Joseph Ossai

After missing the first few weeks of camp, Ossai has been a welcome addition to the Jets' defense. Not only has he been able to generate pressure, but he's also been very good at stopping the run, an underrated reason why he was added to the organization in the offseason.

Pairing Ossai with a young edge rusher like David Bailey seems like the most obvious course of action for the Jets in Week 1. So long as Ossai continues to play well, the group should feel much better about their defensive line moving forward.

Dud: Backup offensive line

There is serious concern about the offensive line depth, especially if one of New York's most important players along the line goes down with an injury. Anez Cooper is still a developmental player, but it isn't good that Cade Klubnik was consistently pressured at practice.

Again, it might not be an issue should the Jets have to replace one player, but the group's depth remains a big question after Friday's contest against the Steelers, and it's only getting worse.

Stud: Dane Belton

There are legitimate questions surrounding the Jets' safety room. Most pressing among them is whether the organization is prepared to play Minkah Fitzpatrick as a center-field type safety, as opposed to the box to placate Belton's skill set.

New York Jets safety Dane Belton looks on before a training camp practice. — New York Jets safety Dane Belton has cemented himself as a starter ahead of Week 1, alongside veteran Minkah Fitzpatrick. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Yes, it feels like a foregone conclusion that Belton has won the starting safety job opposite Fitzpatrick thanks to his physicality and improved coverage skills. He made numerous plays in practice, particularly against the run. While Andre Cisco is a quality third safety, especially in coverage, the Jets will need to be creative with how they break down the reps for this room.

Dud: Injury updates

There is some good news on this score. Breece Hall was seen working out on the side field, and Nahshon Wright returned to practice. Both players will be depended on heavily throughout the 2026 season, so seeing them return to the field either in a rehab capacity or full-time is a great thing.

There is still concern, though. D'Angelo Ponds has yet to participate in training camp, and Kenyon Sadiq was seen working on the side field. Both players are still in line for Week 1, but it's hard to see any legitimate role for the rookies without getting legitimate practice time.

Get Jets On SI straight to your inbox: sign up for our free newsletter here.

Add us as a preferred source on Google