The New York Jets went out in the NFL offseason and added some offensive weapons, like Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker and Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson. Johnson underwent minor January surgery to repair a torn meniscus and spent the offseason rehabbing.
Johnson was never in any real doubt for the start of training camp, participating in individual drills in minicamp and stated back in June that he was “very close” to 100 percent.
Well ahead on Wednesday Johnson said, via Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com, that Dr. James Andrews cleared him to make a full return to practice . The Jets hold their first session of training camp on Thursday.
Chris Johnson (knee) said he was cleared by Dr. James Andrews and is ready for full practice, if that's what team decides." #nyj
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) July 23, 2014
So far he is getting rave reviews from his new head coach, Rex Ryan, who says he was “flying.”
Rex Ryan said Chris Johnson was "flying" during conditioning run. #nyj
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) July 23, 2014
The real question is if the Jets will use him as a featured back like he is accustomed to or go with a running back by committee approach. It’d be hard to deny him the featured back role if he is “flying” around the football field looking like a past version of himself.
Running backs coach Anthony Lynn has stated that Johnson’s carries will be monitored in an effort to keep a Johnson, who has 2,014 career touches, fresh.