He’s back.

Jermaine Johnson has returned to full participation with the New York Jets. During Tuesday’s practice, Johnson participated in the Jets’ team drills.

New York activated Johnson off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list on August 10, but he had yet to partake in a full practice. Now, Johnson is fully back into the swing of things.

Quinnen Williams also returned to team drills on Tuesday. It marks the first time that the big three of New York’s defensive line – Williams, Johnson, and Will McDonald – have practiced together in 2025.

Speaking to the media after practice, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn expressed his excitement about Johnson’s return.

“All I can say is, ‘Woah.’ Eleven is out there, and he’s rushing the passer, and he runs right by me, and it’s like just wind, ‘Woosh!’ goes right by me. And then you see 95 [Quinnen Williams]. It felt good. I’ll just say that.”

On August 12, two days after his return from the PUP list, Johnson emphasized his eagerness to return to the field. At the same time, he acknowledged that he understands the Jets’ patient approach.

“I feel ready to go,” Johnson said. “I trust them. Like I like to say, they’re backing the Ferrari off the truck a little cautiously right now, so I understand it. But I’m ready to go.”

Johnson is optimistic that he can pick up where he left off before his Achilles injury in Week 2 of the 2024 season. In July, Johnson revealed that he was setting personal records in explosion testing, including pre-injury.

Johnson frequently kept Jets fans updated with videos of his road to recovery.

As a second-year player in 2023, Johnson earned his first Pro Bowl appearance, the reward for a well-rounded stat line featuring 55 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits, 7.5 sacks, seven pass deflections, a pick-six, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

In the advanced stat department, Johnson ranked sixth-best among edge rushers (min. 500 defensive snaps) with a paltry 7.5% missed tackle rate. He also collected 56 total pressures (26th) and 20 run stops (16th). Johnson joined Khalil Mack, Danielle Hunter, and Alex Highsmith as the only edge rushers with 50+ pressures, 20+ run stops, and a sub-10% missed tackle rate.

Considering the history of NFL players coming off Achilles tears, the Jets are likely keeping their expectations realistic for Johnson in 2025. While he should be able to regain his previous form eventually, it might not happen immediately.

Johnson, though, believes he can not only match his previous form, but exceed it – and he has the testing numbers to back him up.

The Jets would be thrilled if Johnson vastly exceeded expectations. It wouldn’t be the first time he’s done that in his football career. Johnson went from a two-star recruit who played at Independence Community College (KS) to an NFL first-round pick four years later.

Now, he aims to prove he can defy the odds once more.