Jets Jermaine Johnson embracing high expectations for injury return with Aaron Rodgers bonus

Jermaine Johnson was texting former teammate Aaron Rodgers on Monday night.Johnson would not say if the two discussed Week 1, when Rodgers will lead the Steelers into MetLife Stadium to face the Jets.But he acknowledged that he can’t wait to face him.For Johnson, it will mean more than just getting a chance to sack Rodgers.

It will be his first game back after tearing his right Achilles tendon in Week 2 last season.“Obviously, I’m excited.He’s excited.

It was a pleasure having Aaron around.I wish him the best,” Johnson said.

“When I get between those lines, there’s no friends.I think he knows that and he feels the same.

I’m excited.It’s just another game, but for me it’s going to be my first game back.

There’s going to be a lot of emotions.When my emotions run high, I tend to play pretty well.”Johnson’s locker was near Rodgers’ in the Jets locker room in Florham Park.

Rodgers often held court at his locker and Johnson was one of the players who often was hanging with him.When Johnson tore his Achilles last September, it was Rodgers who gave him advice after dealing with the same injury the year before.That was the beginning of the long road back for Johnson.

On Tuesday, Johnson was on a side field with trainers, pulling a weighted sled behind him as his teammates opened up their three-day minicamp.The Jets expect Johnson to return at some point in training camp and definitely in time for the regular season.Johnson said he’s learned about himself during this process.“I learned that I’m a pretty good handyman,” Johnson joked.

“I don’t got to pay somebody from Task Rabbit to do things around the house anymore.”Then, Johnson really answered the question.“I’ve always been pretty good at patience,” Johnson said.“You all know it, it wasn’t the easiest or shortest ride getting here.

It was just another thing.I’ve never been seriously injured.

Oddly enough, it added some confidence to me.I would always see guys...