NY Jets’ Jermaine Johnson ‘unsurprised’ by quick injury turnaround

It was just the second week of the 2024 regular season when Jermaine Johnson was lost for the year with the New York Jets. A torn Achilles suffered in a win against the Tennessee Titans kept him on the rehab track for the next 11 months.

Now fully healthy and cleared to play, Johnson is ready to return to meaningful snaps for the Jets this season—even if it means easing back at a pace the team approves.

Johnson’s recovery has matched the typical timeline for an Achilles surgery. Despite the setback, he believes he can be just as effective this year as he was before the injury.

Johnson’s revealing honesty

Speaking to reporters Tuesday afternoon, the former Florida State standout said his road to recovery was not easy, but worth it to ensure he could return to the field.

“I’m excited but not surprised—I’d like to say that,” Johnson said regarding his return. “I know the man God has formed me into, and this was another thing he wanted to put me through to let me hit the next level. And it’s even more evident — even today at practice, I’m doing everything I used to do.

“I feel better than I did. I’m still explosive. Everything’s there. And I can’t help but laugh—now I’m mentally stronger, emotionally stronger, [and] more confident.”

In his first two seasons with the Jets, Johnson recorded a combined 10 sacks. His 7.5 total in his sophomore campaign signaled a player on the verge of a breakout, following in the path of other successful edge rushers.

That trajectory changed after the Achilles injury.

The Jets’ plan for JJ

Now, the Jets plan to be cautious with Johnson’s snap count on Sunday and as the season progresses. That doesn’t mean the edge rusher will be content with limited reps.

For head coach Aaron Glenn, that competitive fire is precisely what he wants.

“You want players that you have to pull the reins back [with] instead of telling him, ‘Let’s giddy up!’” Glenn said. “He’s been excited to get out there and get ready to go. When you have a guy like that, that you have this season-ending injury, it kind of puts things in perspective of just how quick this game can be gone. Like, instantly. With his personality and knowing he was out for a year, it’s a no-brainer he’s going to be ready to come back.”

Time will tell if the New York Jets get the same Jermaine Johnson they expected last season. Based on how he closed training camp and battled through rehab, though, the veteran looks ready to get the ball rolling on Sunday.