The last time the well-traveled, journeyman quarterback Geno Smith started in an NFL game the head coaches for that Oakland Raiders-New York Giants tilt in 2017 were Jack Del Rio and Ben McAdoo. Cult hero Marshawn Lynch and less heralded Orleans Darkwa led their respective offenses in rushing. It was a while ago. Smith did not win the game and Eli Manning returned to quarterback the Giants the next week. Smith backed up Philip Rivers for the 2018 Los Angeles Chargers.
Smith returns to starting duties this Sunday night of Week 6 at Pittsburgh against the Steelers, and this new role figures to continue into November as well as starter Russell Wilson, one of the most durable players in the sport, is out for at least a month after finger surgery.