Jermaine Johnson cleared for Jets practice for first time since Achilles tear

The Jets are getting one of their top defenders back.

The team activated defensive end Jermaine Johnson off of the physically unable to perform list Sunday, meaning he can return to practice this week.

Johnson has been sidelined since tearing his right Achilles tendon in Week 2 last season.

Johnson missed all of the spring practices and the first three weeks of training camp. 

Johnson, 26, had a strong 2023 season with 7 ½ sacks and it felt like he was on the verge of big things last year but he went down with the injury in the Jets’ second game of the season in Tennessee.

Johnson underwent surgery and began the long rehabilitation process. 

The Jets have said they expect him to be ready for the beginning of the regular season, but it is likely they will ease him back into practice.

The Jets have joint practices with the Giants this week. It would be surprising to see him participating in those team drills immediately.

It is more likely he does individual drills this week and then works his way into full practices either next week or the week after. The Jets open the season against the Steelers on Sept. 7.