New York Jets defensive end Jermaine Johnson confirmed reports that he tore his right Achilles tendon in a social media post Monday.
The Jets’ third-year pass rusher, a Pro Bowl selection as an injury replacement in 2023, is expected to miss the rest of the season with the injury suffered in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans.
The post was accompanied by a video that showed Johnson using a leg scooter in the Jets’ facility. He said MRI results came back Monday, making his diagnosis official.
“Thank everyone for all the prayers and support! This is not a dark time for me, although there will be dark days ahead, this is Gods way for me to not only grow as a man, person and player but to also inspire others to as well,” Johnson wrote, vowing that he will “be back and better.”
Johnson, 25, was injured on a non-contact play while rushing Tennessee quarterback Will Levis in the third quarter of Sunday’s 24-17 road win. He immediately grabbed his right leg and was eventually carted off the field.
The Jets traded into the bottom of the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft to select Johnson No. 26 overall. In 33 career games (19 starts), he has amassed 88 tackles, 10 sacks, seven pass breakups, one interception and one forced fumble.
Johnson’s injury will likely make the absence of Haason Reddick even more apparent. The Jets traded for Reddick from the Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason, but Reddick has held out for essentially his entire stint with the Jets as he seeks a long-term contract. He has already forfeited two game checks on top of racking up more than $5 million in fines.
Jets coach Robert Saleh told reporters that starting linebacker C.J. Mosley injured his big toe during the Titans game. He didn’t reveal whether it was a turf toe injury, but didn’t rule Mosley out for the Week 3 home opener against the New England Patriots on Thursday despite the short week.
–Field Level Media
