David Bailey shines, Geno Smith struggles in feisty joint practice between Jets and Buccaneers

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Jul 30, 2026; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets edge David Bailey (31) warms up during training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Jets open the preseason Friday night at MetLife Stadium against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Todd Bowles’ team arrived early in the area, however, as the two teams are conducting joint practices ahead of the exhibition opener.

The first joint practice had a number of storylines. Second overall pick David Bailey returned to the field after suffering a minor ankle injury over the weekend, and by all accounts looked like a difference maker.

David Bailey is getting by Luke Goedeke pretty much every play.

— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) August 11, 2026

Quarterback Geno Smith, on the other hand, had a rough practice.

Geno Smith was sharper toward the end, in the red zone, but still not a great practice. Had him at 10-for-16, with two INTs, two TDs and a couple of sacks. Offense a little of sync. Good day, though, for TEs Ruckert and Taylor. Isaiah Williams making his move. https://t.co/cTN1BX98yL

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 11, 2026

Of course this is only one practice. You can’t really judge too much based on a single day of work in the summer.

This was, however, a first chance for the Jets to test themselves against outside competition. I wouldn’t be surprised if Bailey thriving and Smith struggling were two of the recurring themes of the 2026 season.

As frequently happens during training camp joint practices, things got a bit chippy.

There have been basically no fights all of Jets camp. Today there have been at least three.

All involving the Jets’ firey youngsters getting into it with Bucs players: David Bailey, Armand Membou and Darrell Jackson.

— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) August 11, 2026

This is no shock. These guys have been waiting all summer to be able to hit opponents.

In scary news, Qwan’tez Stiggers collapsed during the practice and was taken off the field by ambulance. Aaron Glenn confirmed that Stiggers was conscious and able to talk.

Qwan’tez Stiggers was the player, Glenn confirms. Collapsed on the sideline and taken by ambulance. #Jets

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 11, 2026

Coach Glenn provides an update on CB Qwan'tez Stiggers pic.twitter.com/oQMFzfSA0p

— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 11, 2026

The teams are scheduled to conduct a second joint practice tomorrow before playing in Week 1 of the preseason Friday night.

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