While the New York Jets earned their first win of the season in Tennessee, it came at a price. During their victory over the Titans, the Jets All-Pro linebacker went down. After further examination and MRIs, it’s revealed Pro Bowl linebacker Jermaine Johnson II has suffered a torn Achilles. The 2022 first-round draft pick was coming off a career season last year. This situation is difficult for the Jets defensive line that remains without Haason Reddick during his contract holdout.
#Jets pass rusher Jermaine Johnson tore his Achilles. A devastating blow for a talented young player. pic.twitter.com/johpeSe8Ff
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 16, 2024
Torn Achilles Ends Jets All-Pro Linebacker’s Season
Third-year linebacker Jermaine Johnson II has had an unusual journey into the NFL. He first became featured after appearing on the Netflix series “Last Chance U”, playing for Independence Community College before transferring to Georgia. He moved to Florida State where he shined in the ACC. Johnson ended his senior year with both First-Team All-American and First-Team All-Conference honors, as well as ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2021. The star linebacker Johnson capitalized on that production to become the 28th overall pick in 2022 by the New York Jets, after previously selecting cornerback Sauce Gardner and wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
While he doesn’t get the attention that Gardner or Wilson, Johnson has become a valuable member of this roster. He’s learned a lot from Robert Saleh and the veterans on this roster. His breakout season last year resulted in over seven sacks, a pick-six, eight stuffs for a loss of ten yards, and a blocked kick. Jermaine Johnson II made his first Pro Bowl emerging as a star linebacker for the team off the edge.
Jermaine Johnson MAKES A PLAY for the pick-6 🔥
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/T2RxbZ37op
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 29, 2023
It is time to bring in Haason Reddick
With the injury to Jermaine Johnson, the Jets defensive line needs help. Already struggling without Bryce Huff and Jonathan Franklin-Myers, losing Johnson is a tough pill to swallow. Fortunately, a solution is waiting in the wings with Haason Reddick. While Joe Douglas and Reddick haven’t agreed on a deal, Reddick has already lost millions thanks to fines. The star edge rusher has four consecutive seasons with at least 11 sacks. With this latest injury, Joe Douglas must recognize the danger that can await without him. The New York Jets defense needs to bring Reddick in to keep their playoff goals within reach in a competitive AFC playoff picture.
Main Photo: [Darren Yamashita] – USA Today Sports
