Nearly a year after tearing his right Achilles, New York Jets defensive end Jermaine Johnson is set to make his return to the NFL field.
On Sunday, the Jets officially removed Johnson from the physically unable to perform list, confirming that he has passed his physical and is now cleared to join practice sessions.
Head coach Aaron Glenn has maintained from the start of training camp that Johnson would be ready for the Week 1 clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and that outlook remains unchanged.
“He’s going through the protocol of getting himself ready,” Glenn said last week. “Everyone has their own protocol. He understands and he’s working his ass off to get back, but we want to make sure we have him for the long haul.”
Johnson, selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, suffered the injury on September 15 during a Week 2 victory over the Tennessee Titans.
The setback came after a breakout 2023 campaign in which he tallied 7.5 sacks and earned a Pro Bowl spot as an injury replacement.
His comeback provides a timely boost to a Jets defensive front that has also been missing star tackle Quinnen Williams, sidelined with a strained calf since July 31.
Williams is expected to be back on the practice field soon, with a projected recovery time of one to two weeks.
The Jets are preparing for a busy week that includes two joint practice sessions with the New York Giants before their traditional preseason meeting on Saturday night.
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