NY Jets: Avery Williamson says he’ll be ready for the start of the season

NY Jets’ linebacker Avery Williamson recently told reporters that he would be ready for Week 1.

The NY Jets were dealt a serious blow last week when it was announced that star linebacker C.J. Mosley would indeed be opting out of the 2020 season. And in his place, players like Avery Williamson will be asked to shine.

However, Williamson’s health has been a topic of discussion this offseason as he continues to rehab from a torn ACL he suffered in Week 2 of the preseason last year.

That ACL injury cost him all of the 2019 season and he’s spent the past year attempting to return to full health. Fortunately, his recent self-diagnosis provides optimism for his status entering the new season.

Williamson was asked about his health when speaking to reporters on Wednesday and the veteran linebacker sounded optimistic about his status for Week 1.

Williamson stated that he “knows he will be” ready for the season which is certainly promising news for Gang Green.

The Jets placed Williamson on the Active/PUP list last week meaning that he doesn’t currently count against their active roster total. And as long as he’s activated before the season starts, he won’t be obligated to miss any time.

Head coach Adam Gase also spoke to reporters on Wednesday and sounded optimistic about Williamson’s status declaring that he’s “not too far away.” Add it all up and it sure seems like Williamson will be ready to play come Week 1.

The NY Jets will be counting on a healthy Avery Williamson to produce in 2020.

The Jets will need Williamson more than ever this season following Mosley’s decision to opt-out. There were discussions that the team could look to move on from the former Tennessee Titans linebacker in the offseason.

But now with Mosley out, they’re certainly grateful that they didn’t.

During his only season with the Jets, Williamson started all 16 games and called plays on defense. While he was better in run-defense than he was defending the pass, he held a key role manning the middle of the Jets’ defense.

Whether playing alongside Patrick Onwuasor, Neville Hewitt, or whoever, Williamson will be asked to play the same role that he did two years ago.

It remains to be seen how effective Williamson will be following his year-long absence. But it does appear as though he’ll be ready for the start of the season.