The New York Jets‘ protection is about to obtain a serious increase as Professional Bowl edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II was activated off the bodily unable to carry out record Sunday following his restoration from an Achilles tear. His activation from the PUP record means Johnson has been cleared to observe.
In Week 2 of final season, Johnson went down whereas pursuing Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis. Johnson tore his Achilles on the play and he missed the ultimate 15 video games.
All through the offseason, Johnson, 26, has been working to get again to full well being. First-year Jets coach Aaron Glenn has been clear that Johnson was anticipated to be prepared by the point the common season started, however the workforce needed to look out for his long-term well being and never rush him again.
“He is going by means of the protocol of getting himself prepared,” Glenn mentioned via the team website. “Everybody has their very own protocol — he understands and he is working his ass off to get again, however we wish to ensure that we now have him for the lengthy haul.”
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Zachary Pereles
Johnson was a first-round choose within the 2022 NFL Draft, and he a breakout in 2023 when he totaled 7.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. He was named to the Professional Bowl that season, and he was anticipated to take one other step ahead final fall earlier than struggling the damage.
Even with out Johnson for the overwhelming majority of the season, the Jets nonetheless managed to complete eleventh within the league with 45 sacks. Johnson’s return ought to solely make that unit extra formidable underneath the defensive-minded Glenn.
The Jets have two joint practices with the New York Giants on Tuesday and Wednesday earlier than the groups play a preseason game Saturday. The Jets will open the common season at dwelling in opposition to Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 7.