NASHVILLE — Jermaine Johnson said he felt like someone stepped on the back of his right foot.
When he looked at the replay on the Nissan Stadium video board, he realized that no one had touched him.
Instead, it appears that Johnson tore his right Achilles tendon and will miss the rest of the season.
There is small hope that the MRI exam on Monday will show the Achilles is not torn, but the belief is that Johnson will be sidelined for the season.
Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson (11) is taken off the field in the second half vs. the Titans on Sept. 15, 2024. AP
Johnson gave a thumbs-up as he was carted off the field. Getty Images“Ain’t no damn way,” Johnson said he thought while on the field.
Johnson was carted off with a towel over his head as his teammates and coaches all went over to speak to him.
Johnson is popular with his teammates and you could tell how upset they were after the 24-17 victory over the Titans that Johnson was injured.
“Jermaine is someone who works really hard for this team,” defensive tackle Solomon Thomas said. “Jermaine doesn’t play like every other player in the league. Jermaine plays really hard. He plays hard every down. He runs the ball. He pours out for his teammates. He loves his teammates. So losing 11, you know, it’s like losing a heartbeat for this team, you know? So you know, heart breaks for him personally. Heart breaks for this team because of what we’re losing.”
Aaron Rodgers, who tore his Achilles last year, said his heart sank when he saw the injury announced on the video screen.
Johnson has a “Have Faith” tattoo on his chest and he said he believes God chose him to be injured to serve others.
Jermaine Johnson is in his third season with the Jets. Bill Kostroun for New York Post“I thought somebody stepped on me and then I looked at the replay and nobody stepped on me. I was like, ‘damn,’ ” Johnson said. “But I’m in positive spirits. I got my crying out on the field a little bit. Probably going to get a little more crying in tonight.”
The injury to Johnson now will put more pressure on general manager Joe Douglas to get a deal done with Haason Reddick.
Losing Johnson is a serious blow to the Jets pass rush.
Jets coach Robert Saleh on special teams ace Irv Charles, who blocked a punt and had several key tackles on punts: “Oh my god. He’s a Pro Bowl special-teamer, All-Pro special-teamer. If people didn’t know who he is, they need to figure it out quick.”
LB C.J. Mosley left the game in the first half with a toe injury and did not return. Saleh is hopeful he can play Thursday. … CB D.J. Reed was inactive for the game. Reed was expected to play Friday but did not practice after his knee acted up. He went through a pregame workout but could not play. … This is the first time the Jets have scored three touchdowns in consecutive weeks since 2021 when they did it against the Bengals and Colts.
