The New York Jets received the news they feared: Jermaine Johnson’s season is over after he tore his Achilles against the Tennessee Titans, per Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report.
#Jets pass rusher Jermaine Johnson tore his Achilles. A devastating blow for a talented young player. pic.twitter.com/johpeSe8Ff
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 16, 2024
Johnson confirmed the news in a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying that he tore Achilles and that he will “get back right.”
“Thank everyone for all the prayers and support! This is not a dark time for me; although there will be dark days ahead, this is God’s way for me to not only grow as a man, person, and player but also to inspire others to as well!! Eleven will be back and better, BOOK IT,” Johnson wrote.
Thank everyone for all the prayers and support! This is not a dark time for me ,although there will be dark days ahead, this is Gods way for me to not only grow as a man, person and player but to also inspire others to as well!! 11 will be back and better, BOOK IT🫡🙏🏾🖤… pic.twitter.com/DZm2fy6ggQ
— Jermaine Johnson II (@ii_jermaine) September 16, 2024
The injury is a crushing blow to Johnson and the Jets’ defense.
The Florida State product was poised to be one of the main contributors on the team’s defense line. He had the run defense and pass-rushing ability to be a force in 2024. Alongside the emerging Will McDonald, Johnson had a chance to showcase what the present and future of the Jets’ pass rush could look like.
For the Jets, losing Johnson harms their defensive line production. With Haason Reddick holding out, Bryce Huff leaving in free agency, and John Franklin-Myers being traded, New York is suddenly thin at the position. They will have to rely heavily on Michael Clemons and undrafted free agent Braiden McGregor, who were meant to serve as rotational players.
Once recovered, Johnson will seek to return to his productive ways for the Jets on the defensive line. In the meantime, New York will either have to rely on their depth pieces or solve the Haason Reddick dilemma. Otherwise, the typically strong unit could end up being a weak one in 2024.
