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 inside linebacker underwent an MRI on Friday.
The Jets signed Williamson to a three-year, $22.5 million in March 2018. The former Tennessee Titan has 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.
Inside linebacker was expected to be a strength for the Jets this season with Williamson and C.J. Mosley, a prized free agent signing this past offseason, manning the middle of the defense. Neville Hewitt and promising rookie Blake Cashman are among the candidates to replace Williamson.