Jets Defensive Line Update
The Jets’ pass rush faced a moment of uncertainty on Tuesday, as manager Aaron Glenn had some interesting thoughts to share.
“Oops,” was all Glenn could say. “That’s pretty much it.”
One of the highlights of the day was Jermaine Johnson making his return to team drills after a long recovery from Achilles surgery last year. This was his first time participating in training camp, where he had previously been sidelined.
On Tuesday, it was clear he was back with a vengeance, frequently breaking into the backfield.
“I was right there, and he zipped past me, like a strong gust of wind,” Glenn mentioned, referring to Johnson’s impressive rushes. “It felt really good, honestly. Just really good.”
However, it wasn’t a complete defensive line. Johnson had just a brief stint in camp last week. Quinnen Williams missed time due to a calf injury, and Will MacDonald was grappling with back pain and knee issues.
Glenn expressed hope that both MacDonald and Johnson, being first-round picks, could really ramp up the pressure on the edge.
“I think Will has the speed of the elites in this league,” Glenn said. “Jermaine, weighing in at 265 to 270 pounds, is a genuinely powerful player but can also move swiftly. When you have that kind of mix, it really changes things on the field.”
In another important update, Glenn mentioned that “most starters” might not participate in the upcoming preseason finale against the Eagles, even though starters saw action in the previous two games.
While Glenn didn’t explicitly name anyone who might sit out, it feels likely quarterback Justin Fields will take a break.
“This gives us a chance to evaluate some of the younger guys, giving them plenty of playtime to assess their potential,” Glenn added. “It’s getting close to decision time for the final 53-man roster.”
Interestingly, Glenn’s comments on the running back situation hinted at avoiding trade discussions surrounding Breece Hall. “We have three solid running backs,” he emphasized. “Each brings something different to the table, and just to be clear, I’m not trading Breece. I really like having three strong options.”
