Jets Lose Starting Linebacker Avery Williamson to Torn ACL
By Michael Luciano
In case you needed another cruel reminder that the NFL preseason is the worst thing ever created and that the football gods hate the New York Jets, look no further than what just happened to Avery Williamson.
The starting inside linebacker, who figured to be a key cog in Gregg Williams' 3-4 defense, was carted off the field during last night's exhibition against the Atlanta Falcons. Williamson was diagnosed with a torn ACL, and will miss the entire 2019 season.
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
After being drafted in the fifth round (No. 151 overall) by the Tennessee Titans in the 2014 NFL draft, Williamson started 59 games in four seasons, averaging 94 tackles.
In his first season as a Jet, Williamson made a career high 120 tackles, picked up three sacks, and intercepted a pass. His loss will deprive the Jets of their defensive play caller and one of their vocal leaders in the locker room.
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
While free agent acquisition CJ Mosley and fifth-round rookie Blake Cashman remain members of an encouraging duo, the loss of Williamson will be extremely difficult to overcome this season.