Jets' Jermaine Johnson remains sidelined, but still expected to be ready for Week 1

Yahoo

2 days ago

Jermaine Johnson was fully cleared by doctors a little over a week ago.
Johnson has been back around the Jets at training camp the past few days, but trainers still haven't given him the okay to make his highly anticipated return to the practice field.
First-year head coach Aaron Glenn said on Saturday that they are being cautious with the pass rusher, but the expectation is still that he'll be ready for the regular season opener.
'He's going through the protocol of getting himself ready,' Glenn said. '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.
'I've said it before, Week 1 and Week 2 it's all good, but I want to make [sure] that player is ready for the long haul -- and it's not just about him playing, it's about who he is as a person, we just want to make sure he's all good.'
Johnson, of course, suffered an Achilles injury in Week 2 last season.
He has been making steady progress in his recovery over the past few months, but the team still decided to place him on the PUP list at the beginning of training camp.
This is a huge year for Johnson, as he could potentially hit free agency for the first time in his career next offseason after having his fifth-year option picked up just a few months ago.
Before the injury, the 26-year-old had established himself as one of the NFL's top edge rushers.
He landed his first career Pro Bowl appearance after recording 7.5 sacks, 16 QB hits, 11 tackles for loss, 55 total tackles, 56 pressures, 20 run stops, a pick-six, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
A return to that dominant form would be a ginormous boost for Gang Green's defense.