The Jets are set to regain a key defensive player in Week 6.
HC Aaron Glenn told reporters Friday that LB Jermaine Johnson, who missed the last 3 games after sustaining an ankle injury against Buffalo in Week 2, will return to the lineup for this week's game against the Broncos.
"Being able to get a good, quality player that we know is going to help us, it's always good to get that player back," Glenn said. "He does bring an edge to him and he's another guy that can get after the quarterback. So, anytime we can bring that type of attitude, anytime we can bring that level of player back from injury, it's always good."
Johnson said of returning: "Obviously, I just want to go help. I want to contribute."
Glenn said Johnson is "one of us," and DC Steve Wilks described him as "a major part of what we do." Glenn believes Johnson brings an element of toughness that could be beneficial for a unit that has gotten off to a slower start than anticipated this season.
The Jets have identified getting after the quarterback as an area for improvement, as the team has only recorded 2 sacks in the last 3 games. Johnson has a track record of success in that area and could provide a boost in production up front. During his last full season in 2023, he recorded 7.5 sacks and 16 quarterback hits -- earning his first Pro Bowl nod. And though he was sidelined for majority of the 2024 season with an Achilles injury, DL Quinnen Williams knows the type of player Johnson is and can still be moving forward.
"Jermaine is a Pro-Bowl caliber player, man," he said. "Having him on the field is going to be unbelievable."
While being sidelined again early this season was not something Johnson planned for, it's nothing he hasn't dealt with before -- and his preparation process has remained unchanged.
"He's been in the meetings, he's locked in, active in the entire process," defensive line coach Eric Washington said. "He really never stopped preparing himself to compete each and every week. And so that level of professionalism is a benefit for him, it's a benefit for all of us."
Feeling fully healthy heading into the matchup, Johnson believes his unit has the pieces it needs to help turn the tide this season -- and he will aim to play a key role in that process.
"We have to be better," he said. "We can't be the reason we lose. It just can't happen. We have too much talent. Coach AG has had our back in terms of how he's run this thing, instilling a certain culture in here. And we've got to have his back by putting a good product out there. That's our job. We definitely take full accountability."
The Jets will look to turn that accountability into action this Sunday.
"We haven't put a good product out there, at least defensively," Johnson said. "So, we definitely look to flip that coin and give them something to cheer for out there on Sunday."
