If there’s one team that has struggled with historically unfortunate, untimely injuries in recent years, it’s the New York Jets. From losing Aaron Rodgers after just four snaps in the 2023 season to Justin Fields’ close call on Thursday, a freak accident always seems to be lurking in the shadows of MetLife, ready to derail Gang Green’s season at a moment’s notice.
In 2024, that major injury fell to Jermaine Johnson, who tore his Achilles tendon in Week 2 and was out for the year. Without Johnson, who had been on the brink of a breakout year, New York’s pass rush effort struggled to harass opposing quarterbacks.
Johnson may have begun training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, but it appears that his return to action is now imminent. On Friday morning, he took to X (formerly Twitter) to give Jets fans an update on his health.
Just landed back from LA after checking in with my surgeon and my team out there and… IM CLEARED YALL🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 After I was told that, these past 10-11 months flashed in my head and man was it tough. But through Gods grace and guidance I prevailed against all physical, mental and… pic.twitter.com/jY3XSoLXSp
— Jermaine Johnson II (@ii_jermaine) July 25, 2025
That has to excite the fanbase, especially after Thursday’s injury scare. If the Jets can just stay healthy in 2025, they have a chance to finally end their 14-year playoff drought on the back of a punishing defense. Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner is primed for a bounce back year after signing a historic contract, defensive tackle Quinnen Williams is still a game-wrecker, and now the Jets are led by defensive guru Aaron Glenn.
Glenn was able to keep the Detroit Lions in the winning column all last year despite an unprecedented string of injuries to his starters, including Pro Bowl defensive end Aiden Hutchinson, who played in just six games. It could be argued that the Jets have even more defensive firepower for Glenn to work with than he had in Detroit.
Get excited, Jets fans. This upcoming season looks bright.