Rookie Aaron Smith Will Begin Camp on Active/NFI

Eric Allen

The Jets have placed edgeJermaine Johnsonand wide receiverIrvin Charleson the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. With veterans scheduled to report to training camp on July 22, Johnson and Charles will count towards the 90-player roster.

Johnson (6-5, 254) ruptured his Achilles tendon near the end of the third quarter in the Jets' 24-17 Week 2 win at Tennessee last September. Johnson, the No. 26 overall pick in 2022, was named to the Pro Bowl in 2023 when he totaled 7.5 sacks, 55 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 16 QB hits and an interception that he returned for a touchdown. A Florida State product, Johnson lined up in 14 games as a rookie and played 312 defensive snaps while totaling 2.5 sacks. He worked with the training staff throughout OTAs and mandatory minicamp.

Charles (6-4, 219) tore his ACL on a punt-coverage snap against the Dolphins last December. At that time, his 5 tackles on special teams tied for team lead.

While on Active/PUP, Johnson and Charles will be permitted to attend meetings and use the team facilities. Not allowed to practice with this designation, they can be activated at any point once they are cleared.

Rookie LBAaron Smithreceived an NFI designation due to an illness or injury he sustained outside NFL game or practice. After leading the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) with 92 tackles (11 TFL) and adding 5 sacks, Smith posted a 4.58 40-yard time and South Carolina State's pro day. He signed with the Jets on May 9.