The New York Jets head into their first training camp under head coach Aaron Glenn without any major distractions. It’s a stark contrast from the last two years of Hard Knocks and an attendance issue in mandatory minicamp.
That doesn’t mean the Jets are heading into the start of practices fully healthy. New York announced three players will start this week (and camp in general) on injured lists.
Edge rusher Jermaine Johnson and special teams ace Irv Charles were placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Johnson tore his Achilles in Week 2 of the 2024 season. Charles, meanwhile, suffered a torn ACL late in a December contest against the Miami Dolphins.
Johnson has made it clear that his intention is to be ready for the start of the 2025 season.
“I will be on PUP because the team wants to move slow to be safe, which I agree with,” Johnson said in a tweet. “Not because I’m not ready. All is well.”
I will be on PUP because the team wants to move slow to be safe, which I agree with. Not because I’m not ready. All is well.
— Jermaine Johnson II (@ii_jermaine) July 19, 2025
Charles, meanwhile, may take a bit more time.
Undrafted rookie free agent linebacker Aaron Smith also received an NFI (non-football injury) designation for an injury/illness sustained outside of an NFL game or practice. He will need to be on the field soon as he tries to compete for a roster spot this camp.
Charles is entering the final year of his contract in New York, while there is still time for Johnson. The former first-round pick had his fifth-year option exercised by the team this offseason. A strong year could do wonders for the edge rusher’s chances at a long-term extension.
Until then, getting healthy will be the goal for him and his two teammates.