Avery Williamson, the Jets' leading tackler a year ago, will miss the season after tearing his right ACL in Thursday night's preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons, WFAN's Brian Costello confirmed Friday.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport was the first to report on Williamson's injury after the linebacker underwent an MRI on Friday.
The Jets signed Williamson to a three-year, $22.5 million contract in March 2018. The former Tennessee Titan had 120 tackles, three sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery last season.
Williamson, 27, suffered the injury while in pass coverage in the second quarter when teammate Tevaughn Campbell dived for the ball and collided with Williamson's knee. Williamson was the only starter still in the game at that point.
Neville Hewitt and promising rookie Blake Cashman are among the candidates to replace Williamson.
