NASHVILLE - The New York Jets' defensive end, Jermaine Johnson, was forced to leave the field on Sunday with a potentially severe injury to his right Achilles in the third quarter of their game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. The sight of Johnson being carted off immediately raised concerns among his teammates and added pressure on the Jets to resolve the contract situation with holdout Haason Reddick.

The injury occurred during a play in which Johnson was pass rushing against Titans' quarterback, Will Levis. Surprisingly, it appeared to be a noncontact injury as Johnson fell to the ground. Teammates rushed to his aid as the former Pro Bowler buried his head in his hands, clearly in pain. Shortly after, a cart was brought onto the field to safely transport Johnson.

As Johnson was taken off the field, he displayed a sign of encouragement by giving a thumbs-up to his concerned teammates and the fans in attendance. The seriousness of Johnson's injury is still unknown, and further evaluation by medical professionals will determine the extent of the damage and the length of the recovery time.

Johnson's absence due to a potential long-term injury will undoubtedly be a major blow to the New York Jets' defensive line. The team will now face added pressure to solve the ongoing contract dispute with linebacker Haason Reddick. Reddick, a key player for the Jets, has been holding out for a better contract deal, and with Johnson's injury, the team's defensive stability is now an even more pressing concern.

Last season, Johnson emerged as a standout performer, earning a spot in the Pro Bowl as an injury replacement. His impactful presence on the field and ability to disrupt opposing offenses will be sorely missed if he is sidelined for an extended period. The Jets will be hoping for positive news regarding Johnson's prognosis as they regroup and assess the necessary adjustments to their defensive strategy moving forward.

The injury serves as a reminder of the physical toll that players in the NFL face each game, highlighting the fragility of their careers. Johnson's teammates and fans alike will be holding their breath, hoping for a swift recovery and return to the field for the talented defensive end.