Jermaine Johnson knows there will be a moment Sept. 7 when it hits him.

Almost a year has passed since the Jets’ edge rusher suffered an Achilles tendon tear in his right ankle, and now he’s set to return to the NFL field against the Steelers. Johnson will recall the difficult times last year when he had to watch his team struggle in his absence. He’ll reflect on the countless hours dedicated to rehabbing the injury and the long journey back to form.

“I know it’s going to be emotional for me just because it was a long, long road,” Johnson shared on Wednesday. “I tend not to get distracted. This is bigger than myself. Every week is important. I’ve got to be what I’ve got to be to win, and that’s what my brain’s going to be focused on most. I’m sure I’ll bask in it a little bit before the game, but when that clock starts, I’ll be locked in.”

With a healthy Johnson returning this season, the Jets are poised to be a different defense. It seemed like he was on the cusp of a breakout season in 2024 before his fall in Week 2 against the Titans due to his Achilles injury. Johnson had tallied 7.5 sacks in 2023 after receiving limited playtime as a rookie.