Avery Williamson isn’t rushing his way back onto the practice field after rehabbing from the torn ACL that he suffered last preseason. He is, however, planning to play Week 1.
Williamson spoke to the media on Wednesday and said he’s taking a slow approach to getting back onto the field. He added that the Jets have a plan for him to be ready in time for Week 1 against the Bills and he’s confident that will be the case.
“As long as I’m ready for the season — which I know I will be — that’s all that matters,” Williamson said.
Adam Gase also talked to the media about Williamson’s health. He said Williamson “isn’t too far away” from being cleared by the Jets’ medical staff.
Williamson could have been a cap casualty this offseason. However, with C.J. Mosley opting out because of COVID-19, Williamson will be the veteran leader of the Jets’ linebacking group. He’ll still have to prove that he can play at high level during training camp and earn the starting job at middle linebacker, though.
Williamson had his best season in his first year with the Jets in 2018. Williamson had a career-high 116 tackles to go along with three sacks, six pass defenses and one interception. Obviously, he and the Jets are hoping he can return to that level of production after a devastating injury.