New York Jets edge rusher Jermaine Johnson confirmed Monday in a social media post that he tore his right Achilles tendon.
The 25-year-old Johnson shared a brief video on X and Instagram revealing the results of an MRI that confirmed the fears he and the Jets had when he was carted off the field in the third quarter of New York’s 24-17 victory in Tennessee on Sunday.
“It’s official, man,” Johnson said. “MRI just came back positive. Well, negative information but positive results. I did tear my Achilles, but we good, man. We’re in great spirits, we’re going to get back right and this is just another opportunity to brag about what I came from, so let’s get it.”
Johnson, a Pro Bowl selection last season, was walking with the aid of a knee scooter in the lobby of the team’s facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, while filming the 22-second video.
He expressed gratitude for the prayers and support he received in the post.
“This is not a dark time for me, although there will be dark days ahead,” Johnson wrote. “This is God’s way for me to not only grow as a man, person and player but to also inspire others as well!! (No.) 11 will be back and better, BOOK IT.”
Johnson suffered a similar injury to the one that sidelined quarterback Aaron Rodgers after just four snaps last season and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker for the final 12 games last year.
The loss of Johnson is a blow to the Jets’ defense, which is still without Haason Reddick, who remains a contract holdout while looking for an extension.
Johnson, who is in his third NFL season after being drafted in the first round out of Florida State in 2022, has 10 career sacks. He was expected to team up with Reddick, acquired from Philadelphia in late March, as the Jets’ main pass rushers off the edges.
Although Will McDonald had three sacks on Sunday, the loss of Johnson would seemingly add urgency for the Jets to resolve the Reddick situation to help strengthen their pass rush.
“You know what, I’ll say it again,” Saleh said Monday morning. “We’ve got the guys that we have in our room, guys that we love, the guys that we’ve been working with and those are those are the guys we’re going to continue to work with until everyone figures it out.”
Reporting by The Associated Press.
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