Jermaine Johnson hints at playoff return with ominous tweet after Achilles tear

The NY Jets are currently in the middle of a major defensive line emergency, as the Achilles injury to Jermaine Johnson and continued holdout of Haason Reddick has the team scrambling for options to replace these two game-changers. There aren't a ton of players on the free agent market who can make a significant impact.

The team's internal options leave a ton to be desired. Will McDonald has exactly one outstanding game in the pros, and Micheal Clemons has been a major disappointment. All of this leaves a massive hole in the middle of the defense, as Johnson appeared to be lost for the remainder of the 2024 season.

While Achilles injuries have historically been season-ending, Aaron Rodgers' quest to return before the season ended had the Jets been in contention and Cam Akers' return in the Super Bowl shows that it is possible in very fortuitous circumstances. Johnson may not be dead and buried just yet.

Johnson posted a tweet featuring Goku from Dragon Ball Z in a healing chamber, and he was quick to remind everyone that he is only out for the regular season. If the Jets make the postseason, could there be an outside shot of Johnson making a return in the playoffs?

Jets' Jermaine Johnson teases playoff return after Achilles tear

Johnson recorded 7.5 sacks in his second season, making the Pro Bowl after starring as both an improving pass-rusher and quality edge-setting run-defender. With Haason Reddick continuing to hold out, Johnson was the team's best edge defender.

With Reddick away from the team, Bryce Huff and John Franklin-Myers in Philadelphia and Denver, respectively, and Johnson's injury, the defensive line went from strength to glaring weakness overnight in New York. While Johnson got off to a poor start, he is clearly an impact playmaker in this league.

The struggling Micheal Clemons will be a starter alongside No. 15 pick Will McDonald, who recorded three sacks against the Titans and narrowly missed on a fourth near the end of the game. Takk McKinley will be thrust into a bigger role, as will former undrafted free agents Braiden McGregor and Eric Watts.

While the Jets shouldn't expect Johnson to play again this season, the advances in medical technology could help him return to the field sooner than expected. As always, however, Achilles injuries can be extremely difficult to come back from for pass rushers like Johnson.

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