Ty Johnson reveals why the NY Jets released him last month

The NY Jets re-signed one of their longest-tenured players, running back Ty Johnson back in March, and the expectation was that Johnson would compete for a roster spot this summer in a pretty deep Jets running back room.

That's why it came as quite a surprise when the Jets released Johnson less than a month later with an injury designation. Now, we know what happened.

Johnson took to Instagram to share his first public comments since his release, and he revealed that he tore his pectoral muscle working out on his own in April. That's ultimately what led to his release, but there's more to the story.

Johnson claims that he didn't want to have surgery but that the Jets' team doctors told him he had to have the procedure done. Despite this, the Jets proceeded to release him just days following the surgery.

The 25-year-old revealed that he's "had some dark, dark days" since his release, and while he didn't seem particularly pleased with the Jets' organization, he sounded more like someone determined to get back on the gridiron as soon as possible.

The NY Jets have a competitive running back room with or without Ty Johnson

The Jets released Johnson just days before the 2023 NFL Draft, which might have telegraphed the selection of Pittsburgh's Israel Abanikanda in the fifth round. With Abanikanda in the mix, it would have been difficult for Johnson to secure a roster spot.

The expectation is that Breece Hall will be ready for Week 1, and even if he's not 100 percent, it seems unlikely that the Jets would opt to carry five running backs.

Michael Carter and Abanikanda are likely roster locks, meaning that Johnson would have been competing with 2022 undrafted rookie Zonovan Knight for the final roster spot. There's also 2023 undrafted rookie Travis Dye who could make some noise this summer.

Johnson's strongest selling point is that he was a regular special-teams contributor, playing 42 percent of the Jets' special-teams snaps last season. He was also incredibly efficient as a runner last season, averaging 5.3 yards per carry in limited action.

Johnson is a quality NFL running back whose speed and special-teams ability should earn him a spot on a roster once he's healthy. Unfortunately, his ill-timed injury likely cost him an opportunity to compete for a role with the Jets in 2023.

Here's to hoping Ty Johnson returns to full health before long and finds himself back on a football field with an NFL franchise. Wishing him all the best.