Jermaine Johnson, the New York Jets pass rusher, was carted off the field after suffering an injury in their game against the Tennessee Titans. With 4:41 left in the third quarter, Johnson went down with what appeared to be a non-contact injury.
NFL on CBS shared a poignant moment as Solomon Thomas consoled Johnson while he was being carted off. Johnson later took to social media to express his hope for the best, telling fans, “Dam… praying for the best! Love yall❤️🙏🏾 finish it yall boys💯🫡.”
**UPDATE**: Head coach Robert Saleh indicated that it looks like Johnson may have torn his Achilles, with confirmation expected after further testing. The Jets’ official account and CBS reported that the initial concern is indeed an Achilles injury.
Johnson was unable to put weight on his leg and was carried to the cart, which ESPN’s Rich Cimini described as “not looking good.” Johnson, in his third year of a $13 million rookie contract, was a significant defensive asset for the Jets.
Connor Hughes of SNY highlighted the severity of the situation, calling it a “MASSIVE blow for the Jets defense.” Zack Rosenblatt from The Athletic noted the emotional impact on Johnson and the coaching staff as he was carted off.
The Jets are already dealing with multiple defensive injuries. Veteran cornerback D.J. Reed was sidelined with knee issues, and linebacker C.J. Mosley suffered a toe injury during the game, leaving the Jets short of key defensive starters.
In his time with the Jets, Johnson had played 33 games and started 19, contributing 10 sacks, 21 quarterback hits, and 15 tackles for loss. His absence, along with other defensive injuries, could prompt the Jets to reconsider their approach to adding veteran pass rusher Haason Reddick, who has yet to join the team.