New York Jets' Carl Lawson ruptures Achilles, out for season

Aug. 19 (UPI) -- New York Jets defensive end Carl Lawson will miss the entire 2021 season after rupturing his left Achilles tendon in Thursday's practice.

The injury occurred during a red zone period in the Jets' joint practice with the Green Bay Packers at the Packers' facility. Multiple players kneeled on the turf as medical personnel attended to Lawson.

Lawson's season-ending injury is a significant blow to the Jets, who were relying on him to be their primary pass-rushing threat in the team's new 4-3 defensive front. He had been dominant in the Jets' training-camp practices to this point.

Lawson, one of the Jets' biggest free-agent signings from this past off-season, signed a three-year, $45 million contract in March. He spent his first four NFL seasons as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals.

The 26-year-old Lawson has a history of major injuries throughout his football career. He suffered a torn left ACL while playing at Auburn in 2014, and he tore his right ACL with the Bengals in 2018.

Also Thursday, Jets safety Zane Lewis suffered a season-ending injury during the joint practice with the Packers. The franchise said he tore a patella tendon and sprained an MCL.

Jets defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (knee) and wide receiver Denzel Mims (hip) also were injured Thursday, but the team labeled their injuries as minor. Both players are considered day-to-day.