Aaron Glenn Hints Jets Starters Will Play vs. Steelers

Dec 28, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn on the field before the game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesVincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Aaron Glenn Hints Jets Starters Will Play vs. Steelers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Bryan Perez | Last updated Aug 19, 2026 6:56 PM ET

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The New York Jets appear likely to give their starters another opportunity to get live game reps before the regular season begins.

Head coach Aaron Glenn didn’t explicitly confirm his plans for Friday night’s preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he left the door open for his starters to play.

“The players are going to play,” Glenn said. “Things can change as we get closer to game time.”

Definitive answer? No. But Glenn’s approach to the preseason offers some clues.

The Jets gave their starting offense and defense two series each in their preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Glenn previously indicated that his goal was to get the starters roughly 25 to 30 snaps over the course of the three summer scrimmages.

Aaron Glenn was asked if Geno Smith and the Jets’ starters are going to play in Friday night’s preseason game:

“The players are going to play. Things can change as we get closer to game time.” pic.twitter.com/7HgcfsK4Z7
— SNY Jets (@snyjets) August 19, 2026

Jets Could Benefit From Extended Preseason Reps

If Glenn sticks with his plan, Friday’s game could provide a longer look at Gang Green’s first-teamers.

There is one major question at quarterback. Veteran Geno Smith missed the preseason opener with ankle soreness, although he’s since returned to practice. Glenn said Wednesday that the Jets are still deciding whether Smith will make his preseason debut against the Steelers.

Getting Smith on the field is especially important considering he’s learning a new offense under coordinator Frank Reich. He’s still developing chemistry with his pass catchers, too.

Still, the Jets have little reason to take unnecessary risks with some of their stars. Breece Hall is already sidelined with a groin injury, while several other starters have been banged up throughout camp. With the regular-season opener against the Tennessee Titans inching closer, health remains the priority.

Glenn hasn’t revealed exactly how long his starters will play against the Steelers, but his comments suggest Jets fans should expect to see at least some of the first-team offense and defense when New York takes the field.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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