For the first time this summer, the Jets' starting defensive line took the field together.

Edge Jermaine Johnson and DL Quinnen Williams both returned to practice in front of fans at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on Tuesday, and HC Aaron Glenn was excited to see the unit working back to full strength a few short weeks ahead of the regular season.

"Woah. That's all I can say is woah," Glenn said. "I mean, No. 11 is out there and he's rushing the passer and he runs right by me and it's like wind like 'Woosh.'. Like just goes by me. Then you see No. 95, it felt good. I will just say that. It felt really good."

Williams took the field for the first time since sustaining a calf injury in practice on July 31, while Johnson's long-awaited return came after being activated off the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list just over a week ago. Johnson (6-5, 254) -- who was named to the Pro Bowl in 2023 -- ruptured his Achilles tendon last September and has worked diligently to prepare for the coming season. He told reporters last week that he "feels ready to go," and Glenn got his first glimpse of the Johnson and Will McDonald IV edge duo that could wreak havoc on opposing offenses this season.

"I think obviously we see that Will has a fastball that's elite in this league," Glenn said. "Jermaine is a bigger body. That's a true power player, but he does have speed also. … You see that from a lot of teams that have that dynamic -- you have one guy with power and the other guy with speed, that makes a hell of a rush for the most part. Then you have two guys in the interior that can just push the pocket. That creates a great rush. I'm looking forward to seeing those guys work together. They do have two different skill sets, but two really good players we're going to utilize to the best of their ability."

Those skill sets were on display Tuesday, as the defense applied pressure during a lengthy practice that featured a variety of situational team periods.

"Good long practice today for our guys coming off the game against the Giants," Glenn said. "Worked on a number of situations, and there were some situations where the coordinators didn't know what I was going to do. … Number of good situations that our guys were dialed into. I thought it was a good, long hard practice for these guys."

Johnson and McDonald both made an impact during the two-minute drill that ended practice, with McDonald recording a would-be sack of QB Justin Fields during the first run of the drill and Johnson adding another during the second run.

CB Sauce Gardner also returned to practice after being held out of last Wednesday's joint practice with the Giants and Saturday's preseason game due to calf soreness. Gardner looked like his dominant self, breaking up a pass from Fields intended for WR Josh Reynolds in the end zone during a team period. He appeared to be kicked in the leg on the play, but Glenn said after practice that the two-time All-Pro should be fine.

"I thought it was a pretty good practice, a lot of things we've got to continue to work on," Glenn said. … "Man, we keep on chopping wood. That's it. We've got to keep chopping wood and keep getting better."

Downtown Connection

In an early team period, QB Justin Fields saw WR Garrett Wilson flying down the left sideline with separation from CB Brandon Stephens. Fields took his shot and completed a long vertical pass to Wilson as S Andre Cisco hurried to close. While it was one of their longest connections in camp, Fields has played smart ball and not forced the issue.

"We're fine with taking 8-yard completions every play if I'm being honest with you," Fields said prior to practice. "Of course you want explosives, but like I said Saturday we're not going to force the ball downfield. If they want to get depth on the second level, we're fine taking the 8-, 10-yard completion and taking time off the clock and just driving down the field and having 10-, 15-play drives. That gets the defense tired and that may not be as exciting on the offensive side of the ball for the fans, but it's efficient ball. It's also getting the defense tired just driving down the field like that."

Wilson was targeted multiple times during the long practice and had a bunch of grabs. He impressed onlookers with his footwork and YAC following one short reception. Then in 7-on-7 red zone work, Fields delivered an absolute rope over the a leaping LB Jamien Sherwood and Wilson made a scintillating grab in between two defenders.

Several Starters to Sit vs. Eagles

The Jets will wrap up training camp following their Wednesday afternoon practice. Then they'll have a walk-through Thursday in Florham Park and will wrap up the preseason Friday night vs. the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. After lining up most of his healthy first-teamers against the Packers and the Giants, HC Aaron Glenn will take a different approach in his team's summer finale.

"Some starters won't play in this game," he said. "I won't get into the who and whatnot, but a good amount of starters won't play. That gives us a chance to look at some of our other young guys and give them plenty of playing time, so we can evaluate them."

Jetcetera

Some of the Jets' young receivers are continuing to progress. QB Adrian Martinez picked up a chunk gainer to WR Brandon Smith over the middle. Rookie Arian Smith hauled in passes from both Martinez and Missouri product Brady Cook. Smith got a free release on the former, worked the middle of the field and Martinez threw with anticipation. … After missing a good chunk of camp due to a back ailment, LG John Simpsonreturned to the starting lineup Saturday night against the Giants. "It was huge, that was like my third day back in pads that game," he said. "I definitely was a little rusty, but it was huge to be back out there with the guys and being able to play next to Tipp (C Joe Tippmann) and Olu (LT Olu Fashanu) and just getting out there and getting it rolling."

P Austin McNamara looks like a legit weapon. He's punted well in game action and had a stellar afternoon Tuesday, delivering in the yardage and hang time departments. … The wind was unkind to K Nick Folk as a stiff breeze seemingly picked up every time he kicked in an extended round that saw mixed results. … Rookie LB Francisco Mauigoa got a good read on a Martinez ball and nearly came down with an INT. … CB Sauce Gardner had a deft pass break-up on a Justin Fields pass intended for WR Tyler Johnson and added some great coverage reps in red zone action. … RB Isaiah Davis (ankle), WR Xavier Gipson (shoulder) and DT Byron Cowart (ankle) worked to the side with the trainers.