After going through Aaron Rodgers’s Achilles injury last season, the Jets have yet again found themselves in a similar position. This time, it’s pass-rusher Jermaine Johnson who ended up rupturing his right Achilles tendon against the Titans. When initial replays were shown over at Nissan Stadium, fans and players knew right away the extent of Johnson’s injury.

Although it was a non-contact Achilles injury, Johnson is seemingly facing a lengthy time off the field. Expressing his thoughts on the same, the Jets defensive end took to his X, where he wrote, “Thank everyone for all the prayers and support! This is not a dark time for me, although there will be dark days ahead, this is Gods way for me to not only grow as a man, person and player but to also inspire others to as well!! 11 will be back and better, BOOK IT.” 

Even though Johnson appears to be optimistic about his eventual return to the field. His current condition is something any player would like to be a part of. Sharing his first thoughts from the moment he suffered a ruptured Achilles, Johnson stated, “I thought somebody stepped on me, and then I looked at the replay, and nobody stepped on me. I was like, damn. But I’m in positive spirits. I got my crying out on the field a little bit. Probably going to get a little more crying in tonight.”

Well, the 25-year-old was visibly suffering from the injury when he ended up getting carted off the field. Seeing Johnson’s heartbreaking injury, fellow defensive tackle Solomon Thomas said, “Jermaine is someone who works really hard for this team. Jermaine doesn’t play like every other player in the league. Jermaine plays really hard. He plays hard every down, he runs the ball, he pours out for his teammates. He loves his teammates.”

Elsewhere, A-Rod, who suffered a similar injury, said his heart sank after seeing the replays playing in the stadium. Nonetheless, this is a huge step back for the Jets, who might have to bring Haason Reddick back into the fold.

Will Haason Reddick make a return after Jermaine Johnson’s long-term injury?

After the New York Jets recorded their first win of the season, head coach Robert Salah spoke about Johnson’s injury, “It doesn’t look good.” Now, the Jets have a situation on their hand regarding the player who would start in place of their starting pass rusher. Filling up for Johnson, Will McDonald IV had a commendable performance, “Will McDonald was unbelievable. And credit to that quarterback (Will Levis). He got out of some stuff- I thought he was dead for rights. Again, we fought, kept swinging.”

McDonald finished his outing with three sacks and a forced fumble. But will this be enough in a do-or-die season for the Jets? Having a player like Reddick, who has accumulated 58 career sacks, remains a better option in their defensive scheme. But a contractual holdout from the moment he stepped foot in New York has led to a breakdown in negotiations. Moreover, Reddick remains the only player in the NFL to be still in a holdout.

However, Johnson’s absence could prompt the Jets to sort out their stance regarding Reddick’s availability. If both parties manage to come to a decision, it would be beneficial for the franchise that is looking to return to playoffs after a 13-year hiatus.