Jets' Carl Lawson expects to be ready for training camp coming off Achilles tear

The New York Jets were understandably excited to sign pass-rusher Carl Lawson to a three-year deal that could be worth up to $45 million in March 2021. Lawson had tallied 5.5 sacks with the Cincinnati Bengals the previous season and 20 total quarterback takedowns across his first 51 career regular-season games. 

Lawson never got to make his Gang Green debut, though, as he went down with a torn Achilles last August and ultimately required season-ending surgery. 

According to Rich Cimini of ESPN, Lawson spoke with media members on Wednesday and said he's planning to participate when training camp sessions get underway in late July. 

"I think I'll be good to go, but it's up to the organization and how they want to play it, what they want me doing, and stuff like that," Lawson explained. "I'll be ready to go when my number is called. Even when I was on one leg, I was ready to go."

Tight end C.J. Uzomah, Lawson's former Bengals teammate who signed with the Jets as a free agent in March, referred to the defensive end as a "monster" during his comments. 

"He's built like an action figure," Uzomah added. "If you go on Madden and try to build a player, that is Carl. Playing with him for six years, seven years, however long it is, he's just a freak. His get-off is unbelievable, and, in my opinion, his biggest strength is his strength. To get him back on the field, our defensive line is going to be really freaking good."

Despite that vote of confidence, one won't be able to blame the Jets if they're extra cautious regarding Lawson's availability through at least the beginning of camp, if not for the entire preseason.