Tag: Jets defense

The New York Jets have placed edge rusher Jermaine Johnson on injured reserve after he ruptured his Achilles tendon during the Jets’ 24-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans last Sunday. Johnson, the No. 26 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, was injured late in the third quarter. His absence is a major blow to the team, as the standout player earned a Pro Bowl nod last season with impressive stats, including 7.5 sacks, 55 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits, and an interception returned for a touchdown.

As a rookie, Johnson, a product of Florida State, played 14 games and lined up for 312 defensive snaps. He contributed 2.5 sacks during his first season, and his continued development had made him a key part of the Jets’ defensive front.

In response to the injury, the Jets signed defensive lineman Jalyn Holmes from their practice squad to the active roster. Holmes, a 6-foot-5, 283-pound defender, was elevated for Week 1 and Week 2, contributing 4 tackles over 31 snaps. Originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings out of Ohio State in 2018, Holmes spent three seasons with the Vikings before having stints with the Saints and Bears. He joined the Jets last season, appearing in five games and recording five tackles and a quarterback hit. Holmes re-signed with the team in March.

Additionally, the Jets have called up linebacker Marcelino McCrary-Ball from the practice squad for Thursday’s game against the New England Patriots. McCrary-Ball, a 6-foot, 214-pound linebacker, joined the Jets practice squad after training camp in August. He spent the majority of the 2023 season with the Jets after signing with the team in January. McCrary-Ball previously had two training camp stints with the San Francisco 49ers and joined the Jets midway through the 2023 season. He appeared in two games, taking 19 snaps on special teams.

With these roster moves, the Jets hope to fill the void left by Johnson’s injury and strengthen their defensive unit for their upcoming matchups.