PITTSBURGH — The relaunch of Geno Smith’s Jets career will take another step Friday night.

Smith will make his first preseason start against the Steelers, a source confirmed.

Smith was held out of last week’s preseason opener against the Buccaneers because of a sore ankle.

Geno Smith throws during Jets practice at training camp in Florham Park, NJ, on Aug. 17, 2026. Bill Kostroun/New York Post

He practiced all week, but coach Aaron Glenn was noncommittal when asked about who his starting quarterback would be against the Steelers.

Glenn did say he did not see Smith favoring the ankle in practice.

“I just think there’s soreness,” Glenn said. “I think any player at this point knows that something is going to hurt at some point. He’s a competitor and he wants to make sure he gets those reps in. The thing is that we want to be smart too about how we go about doing things when it comes to him and any of our players. It’s not to a point to where he can’t go out. Obviously, he’s out there practicing, but again, we want to make sure we’re doing the right things when it comes to him playing.”

Smith returned to the team in March in a trade with the Raiders.

Smith began his career with the Jets as a 2013 second-round pick but left after the 2016 season.

Cade Klubnik (10) throws as Bailey Zappe looks on during practice at Jets training camp on Aug. 17, 2026. Bill Kostroun/New York Post

Now, the team is counting on him to help turn their fortunes around.

Rookie Cade Klubnik started last week in Smith’s place.

He will likely replace Smith at some point in the first half. The team also has Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook at quarterback.

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The Jets are having a good kicking competition in camp between veteran Jason Sanders and Cade York.

On Wednesday, York showed a big leg when he booted one field goal over the net that catches kicks that go through the uprights at the team training center.

The ball soared over the net and into a parking lot where players park.

There are a row of electric charging stations closest to the field and one of those cars may have been hit.

“It’s funny that you say that, because some of the players were saying that those electric cars that’s lined up on that deal, man they’re going to have some dents in the hood,” Glenn said jokingly. “I’m assuming that’s something that we got to look at. We’re going to continue to keep kicking that way. But as long as it’s going through the uprights, man I’m all good. Guys will have to buy new cars.”