Carl Lawson releases a statement following season-ending Achilles injury
New York Jets defensive end Carl Lawson ventured to Instagram to unload his thoughts after his 2021 season ended on Thursday.
Lawson, signer of a three-year, $45 million contract with the Jets after four seasons in Cincinnati, ruptured his left Achilles tendon during a joint practice against the Green Bay Packers in Wisconsin. The Jets later announced that Lawson and secondary defender Zane Lewis would be out for the year after each was carted off the practice field.
Lawson’s post features a photo of the defender walking to practice hours before his debut year with the Jets ended and is accompanied by a statement in which he encourages those mourning his departure to remain optimistic.
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“For those who truly know me, know that this is like a flesh wound to me,” Lawson said. “Gods with me, I control what I can control so I’m always back better. Loved ones, friends and fans, please keep your chins up so I can raise mines higher. [sic]”
Numerous players left well-wishes for Lawson, including current green teammates Bryce Huff, Vinny Curry, and John Franklin-Myers. Huff and Curry left prayer emojis while Franklin-Myers promises to hold down the fort while Lawson heals.
“Know how we rockin bruh‼️ [sic]” Franklin-Myers says. The Jets’ official account sent its regards through a series of green-hearted emojis.
If anyone on the Jets would know about returning from a devastating, it’s probably Lawson. He tore his ACL in both his second collegiate and NFL seasons, losing his whole sophomore campaign at Auburn in 2014.
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Despite the losses of Lawson and Lewis, not all medical news was bad for the Jets. New York avoided major incidents when it came to Denzel Mims (hip) and Sheldon Rankins (knee), who likewise left the joint practice in Green Bay with ailments. The team has since announced that the pair will be listed as day-to-day.
The Jets will look to pick up the pieces after Lawson’s injury when their visit to Wisconsin concludes on Saturday with an exhibition game at Lambeau Field (4:25 p.m. ET, WLNY/NFL Network).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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