New York Jets: Leonard Williams says will be ready for opener

The New York Jets continued to prepare for a rebounding season but what happens if they’re without their first-round draft pick to start the year off right? With the Sheldon Richardson suspension and Muhammad Wilkerson battling through contract negotiations, the last thing fans needed on their minds was the thought of possibly being without Leonard Williams to start the season. But after seeing Williams limp off the field in their third preseason game against the New York Giants, Jets fans held their breath expecting the worst.

Jets’ Leonard Williams limps to the locker room http://t.co/7iagSHMwur

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 30, 2015

It kind of took the winds out of the sails for a Jets team that beat the Giants handily in impressive fashion. But a few days after the injury and a negative MRI, it appears that Williams is full-go for the regular season opener against the the Cleveland Browns.

NYJ: Leonard Williams has muscle strain behind his knee, no ligament damage. Good news. NYJ opener vs CLE is two weeks from today.

— Kimberly Jones (@KimJonesSports) August 30, 2015

The Jets are extremely fortunate that it was nothing serious for Williams. What was once looked at as an embarrassment of riches along the defensive line could have been lack-luster with Richardson and Williams out of the fold. Though we saw this past Saturday night it’s not just the stars that make this defensive line so good it’s the depth at the position. Specifically referring to versatile defensive linemen Leger Douzable who had a nice sack on Eli Manning in the infamous MetLife Bowl.

.@LegerDouzable sack helps force a punt #Jets offense coming out for its 3rd drive. Up 7-0, ball on own 7 #NYJvsNYG

— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 29, 2015

Douzable wasn’t one of those high-profile signings that the Jets made this year. What ate up the headlines? Revis coming home, Cromartie coming back, Marshall comes in via trade, etc. But the under the radar signings that ensure depth and keeps the unit together are just as vital. Douzable will never be a double-digit sack guy, but he doesn’t have to be.

Aug 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) is sacked by New York Jets defensive tackle Leger Douzable (78) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets are going to need guys to step up like Douzable did when bad things happen. But the morale of this story is thank the great heavens above the Jets avoided a serious injury bug here with Williams.

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