Jets edge rusher Jermaine Johnson has taken another step in his return to the field after missing most of last season with a torn Achilles.
Johnson passed his physical and was activated from the active/physically unable to perform list on Sunday, per senior team reporter Eric Allen. For the first time since he was knocked out of the Jets’ Week 2 matchup against the Titans 11 months ago, Johnson will be available to join his teammates at practice on Monday.
However, the 2022 first-rounder will likely ramp up his participation as the regular season approaches. He has a little under a month to get back to game-ready condition, though the Jets have no intention of rushing him back.
“We want to make sure we have him for the long haul,” said Jets head coach Aaron Glenn (via Allen).
Before going down last year, Johnson was expected to take another leap after his Pro Bowl campaign in 2023. He recorded 7.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss while also knocking down seven passes and returning an interception for a touchdown. Micheal Clemons started in Johnson’s place in 2024 but only registered 4.5 sacks and four tackles for loss.
The Jets will be hoping that Johnson can quickly return to his 2023 form and pair with Will McDonald to form a dangerous edge-rushing duo after the latter’s breakout with 10.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss.