Jets expect Jermaine Johnson II back for London game against Broncos

The New York Jets expect edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II to return to the lineup Sunday in London against the Denver Broncos, a timely reinforcement for a defense that has struggled through the first five games of the season. Coach Aaron Glenn said Johnson, who missed the last three games with an ankle injury, is ready to play after practicing with the team this week at its hotel north of London.

Johnson was injured in the second quarter of the Week 2 loss to Buffalo and had been sidelined since. He missed most of last season after tearing his right Achilles tendon in Week 2 of 2024. A Pro Bowl selection in 2023 after recording 7.5 sacks, Johnson has appeared in 35 NFL games with 21 starts, compiling 10 career sacks, 15 tackles for loss and 21 quarterback hits. Glenn said Friday that Johnson "does bring the edge to him. He is another guy that can get after the quarterback."

The Jets enter the London game 0-5 and have produced few defensive playmaking moments. New York has not forced a takeaway through five games and has recorded seven sacks this season, four of which came in the opener. The team managed only three sacks over the last four games. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams...