Avery Williamson returned to the fold Sunday but wasn’t in the Jets’ starting lineup.
After making his way back from an ACL injury that was suffered in August 2019, Williamson dealt with a hamstring injury that held him out of New York’s Week 1 matchup against Buffalo. On Sunday, however, Williamson made his first regular season appearance in green and white since 2018, when he compiled a career-high 120 combined tackles, three sacks, one interception, six pass breakups and two forced fumbles. His return, however, was not all that productive.
Williamson played sparingly in the Jets’ 31-13 loss, taking just 17 snaps on defense while tallying three tackles on the day. Neville Hewitt and Alec Ogletree, started up the middle, with Ogletree playing 33 of 59 defensive snaps.
Both Ogletree and Hewitt struggled mightily in controlling the 49ers’ run game and containing tight end Jordan Reed. The 49ers rushed the ball 29 times for 182 yards and two touchdowns, while Reed caught seven passes for 50 yards and two scores of his own.
This left many wondering why a healthy Williamson wasn’t getting more action, but it seems like the Jets weren’t fully ready to unleash one of their defensive leaders. Williamson was limited to special teams duties with some defensive snaps sprinkled in.
If he’s healthy, it’s likely that Willamson will be involved more in the Jets’ defensive game plan in next Sunday’s matchup against the Colts. Based on the performances of Ogletree and Hewitt, Williamson should get some more snaps.
New Jersey betting promotion! Bet $1 on the New York Jets and automatically receive $100 in free bets in your account. Regardless of the game outcome, you win! Place your legal, online bets in NJ at BetMGM Sportsbook. New customer offer, terms and conditions apply. Bet now!