The Jets have been without defensive end Jermaine Johnson since he suffered an ankle injury in the team’s Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Aaron Glenn suggested the team is expecting Johnson to return to practice on Thursday.
If Johnson is able to return to practice, he will likely be able to play in Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos, even if he is on a pitch
count.
The Jets have missed Johnson. He is the only player who is capable of both rushing the passer and playing the run effectively at the defensive end position. The Jets have needed to give more snaps than is ideal to Micheal Clemons, Braiden McGregor, and Tyler Baron in his absence. McGregor’s sack against the Cowboys in Week 5 was the only one the Jets have recorded from the defensive end position since Johnson left the lineup.
While the lack of defensive end depth on the roster means those players will continue receiving too many snaps, when Johnson is on the field the Jets can expect higher level play.
