Jets' Jermaine Johnson expects to return Week 1 against Aaron Rodgers, Steelers

Jermaine Johnson's long-awaited comeback from a torn Achilles tendon is on track to happen the same day a former New York Jets teammate makes what's sure to be a much-hyped return.

Week 1 at MetLife Stadium — against Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"We actually were just texting last night," a smiling Johnson said of Rodgers on Tuesday after the first practice of the Jets' three-day mandatory minicamp. "It's funny. But obviously, I'm excited. He's excited."

Johnson, a promising edge rusher who was coming off his first Pro Bowl selection, tore his right Achilles tendon in Week 2 last year and missed the rest of the season. Coach Aaron Glenn said the 2022 first-round draft pick should be "close" to being ready for training camp in July and could start on the physically unable to perform list, "but he'll be ready for the season."

During the early days of his recovery, Johnson was comforted by Rodgers, who made a comeback of his own last season after tearing his left Achilles tendon four snaps into his debut with the Jets in 2023. Rodgers was released by New York in the offseason, signed last week with Pittsburgh and made his practice debut with the Steelers on Tuesday.

"It was a pleasure having Aaron around and stuff like that, and I wish him the best," Johnson said. "But when I get between those lines, there's no friends. And I think he knows that, and he feels the same, so I'm excited.

"It's just another game, but for me, it's going to be my first game back, and there's a lot of emotions. And when my emotions run high, I tend to play pretty well."

Johnson declined to say what he and Rodgers texted about Monday night, but acknowledged the quarterback was instrumental in helping get his mind right as he prepared