Jets linebacker Avery Williamson will miss the 2019 season after tearing his ACL in Thursday night’s preseason game against Atlanta. Ian Rapoport broke the story.
#Jets starting ILB Avery Williamson suffered a torn ACL, source said. He had his MRI today and is out for the season. Terrible preseason injury.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 16, 2019
Avery Williamson was calling plays for the defense and is one of their leaders. He walked out of the locker room last night… and learned his fate this morning. Brutal. https://t.co/cVCxIiWaE5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 16, 2019
The Jets signed Williamson as a free agent from Tennessee in 2018. His first season with the team was a success. He recorded 120 tackles and was named a Pro Bowl alternate.
Williamson stayed in last night’s game longer than most Jets starters. He saw a number of reps with the second team in the second quarter.
The Jets defense features elite run stopping talent, and Williamson was supposed to be part of it. It isn’t clear who will take over his starting role. Neville Hewitt and rookie Blake Cashman figure to be among the candidates to see an increased snap total.
Injuries are the worst part of preseason. The Jets will now have to navigate the entire 2019 scheduled without one of their starting linebackers.