An exciting week for the New York Jets continues. After hiring Aaron Glenn as their new head coach, the Jets got some encouraging news regarding the recovery of one of their best players.
Posting to his official X account on Thursday night, 2023 Pro Bowl edge rusher Jermaine Johnson gave Jets fans an update on his recovery from the Achilles injury he suffered in Week 2 of the 2024 season.
“18 weeks out and Achilles [tendon] symmetry is exact!! God is great!! We’re almost back and as explosive as ever!!!”, posted Johnson.
Johnson, who turned 26 years old earlier in January, appears to be on an extremely positive recovery track entering his fourth NFL season.
The 2022 first-round pick enjoyed a breakout season for New York in 2023. Starting all 17 games, Johnson stuffed the stat sheet, recording 55 tackles, 16 quarterback hits, 11 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, seven passes defended, one interception (returned for a touchdown), one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
Unfortunately, Johnson did not get a chance to build on his performance, as he tore his Achilles during the Jets’ Week 2 game in Tennessee. In Johnson’s absence, second-year edge rusher Will McDonald emerged. The Jets’ fellow first-round edge rusher exploded to the tune of 10.5 sacks.
With McDonald’s emergence and the return of a healthy Johnson, the Jets would likely have their starting edge duo in place. New York will have to fill out the depth chart behind their young tandem, however, as they lack other reliable options on the current roster. The only other edge rushers under contract for 2025 are Micheal Clemons, Braiden McGregor, and Eric Watts.
As the Jets begin the process of filling out their edge rusher unit through free agency and the draft, it is reassuring to know that Johnson is on track to be one hundred percent healthy by the time practices begin.
