NY Jets expect Carl Lawson to be healthy and ready for Week 1

When the NY Jets signed star defensive end Carl Lawson to a massive three-year, $45 million contract, they believed they had landed the team's best edge rusher in nearly two decades.

The early results were promising too with Lawson reportedly tearing it up in training camp. Then, disaster struck, and Lawson suffered a torn Achilles during the team's joint practices with the Green Bay Packers.

The Jets' defense never really recovered from Lawson's absence as the team finished dead last in yards allowed in what was a difficult, injury-riddled 2021 season. A year later, the Jets are hoping that Lawson can return healthy and as-advertised a year removed from his injury.

While it's unclear exactly when Lawson will be able to return to 100 percent, the Jets do expect Lawson to be ready for Week 1. At least that's what ESPN's Rich Cimini indicated on a recent edition of the "Flight Deck" podcast.

The NY Jets have high hopes for Carl Lawson in 2022

The 26-year-old was in attendance for Jets minicamp, although he didn't participate in drills. Cimini suggested that there's a chance Lawson begins training camp on the PUP list as he continues to work his way back from his Achilles injury.

That would allow Lawson more time to rehab with the Jets eyeing a Week 1 return. At this stage, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Jets hold Lawson out of the preseason, just as a precautionary measure.

An Achilles tear is one of the most difficult injuries to rehab in all of sports so it would make sense for the Jets to play it safe with their star pass rusher. Nonetheless, the organization still has high hopes for Lawson upon his return.

Lawson's 64 pressures in 2020 ranked fourth among all edge rushers even if they only resulted in 5.5 sacks. There's every reason to believe that Lawson should find more success bringing down the QB as part of a very talented Jets defensive line in 2022.

That is, of course, provided he's healthy. The Jets are taking every step necessary to ensure that's the case.