New York Jets ILB Avery Williamson Suffers Season-Ending Injury
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 23: Jimmy Graham #80 of the Green Bay Packers attempts to make a catch against Avery Williamson #54 of the New York Jets during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium on December 23, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
On Thursday, Avery Williamson went down in the second preseason game for the Jets. It was clear at the time that his knee was bothering him, but the severity of the injury was unknown.
New York relied heavily on Williamson in 2018, as the former fifth-round pick registered 120 tackles, 3.0 sacks and an interception.
The Jets feared the worst for Williamson when he went down with an injury against the Falcons. Unfortunately, it turns out that he suffered a season-ending injury last night.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Williamson tore his ACL in the second week of the preseason.
It's a crushing blow for the Jets, but the offseason addition of C.J. Mosley should keep their linebackers corps afloat. The former leader of the Ravens' defense signed with them during free agency for a contract worth a total of $85 million.
Williamson has shown that he can be an impact player on defense for the Jets. His absence could play a major role in the team's rushing defense.
Not only does this injury sting for the Jets, it also hurts for Williamson since he's entering the second season of his three-year deal.
The Jets will have to prepare for life without Williamson, as they host the Bills in their season opener on September 8.
