Will McDonald: Everything you need to know

Will McDonald

#9 DE

New York Jets

Status

QUESTIONABLE - Knee - Not Specified Expected Return: 2026-05-01

STATS

Career Stats - TACKLES

TOTAL

AST

SOLO

Career Stats - Sacks

SCK

SCKYDS

TFL

21.5

150.5

Career Stats - INTERCEPTIONS

INT

Career Stats - Fumbles

FTD

Tackles

Season	Team	TOTAL	AST	SOLO
2025	NYJ	30	11	19
2024	NYJ	28	10	18
2023	NYJ	14	5	9
Career		72	26	46

Sacks

Season	Team	SCK	SCKYDS
2025	NYJ	8	51
2024	NYJ	10.5	74
2023	NYJ	3	25.5
Career		21.5	150.5

Interceptions

Season	Team	PD
2025	NYJ	0
2024	NYJ	3
2023	NYJ	0
Career		3

Defense Fumbles

Season	Team	FF	FR
2025	NYJ	0	0
2024	NYJ	2	1
2023	NYJ	1	0
Career		3	1

Preseason			defensive
Date	Opp	Result	SOLO	AST	TOTAL	SACK	SACKYDS	INT	DEF	TFL
8/9	GB	W 30-10	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0
Preseason Totals			1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0

Regular Season			defensive
Date	Opp	Result	SOLO	AST	TOTAL	SACK	SACKYDS	INT	DEF	TFL
12/21	NO	L 6-29	3	1	4	1	0	0	0	0
12/14	JAC	L 20-48	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	1
12/7	MIA	L 10-34	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
11/30	ATL	W 27-24	3	1	4	0	0	0	0	1
11/23	BAL	L 10-23	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
11/13	NE	L 14-27	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	0
11/9	CLE	W 27-20	4	1	5	4	32	0	0	4
10/26	CIN	W 39-38	1	2	3	1	6	0	0	1
10/19	CAR	L 6-13	0	3	3	0	0	0	0	0
10/12	DEN	L 11-13	1	1	2	0	0	0	0	0
10/5	DAL	L 22-37	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0
9/29	MIA	L 21-27	2	0	2	0	0	0	0	1
9/21	TB	L 27-29	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0
9/14	BUF	L 10-30	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
9/7	PIT	L 32-34	2	1	3	2	13	0	0	2
Regular Season Totals			19	11	30	8	51	0	0	10

Will McDonald: Breaking News

Jets GM Darren Mougey said Monday that he expects McDonald (knee) to have his fifth-year option picked up, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports. McDonald missed the final two games of the 2025 campaign due to a knee issue, ending the year with 30 tackles (19 solo), including 8.0 sacks, across 15 regular-season appearances. If the fifth-year option on his rookie deal indeed is picked up by New York, McDonald will remain under contract with the Jets through the 2027 season.

The Jets placed McDonald (knee) on injured reserve Friday, Susanna Weir of the Jets' official site reports. McDonald was unable to practice all week after suffering a knee injury in the Jets' Week 16 loss to the Saints. The 26-year-old's move to IR ensures he is done for the season, likely giving Braiden McGregor more reps in McDonald's place. The third-year pro accounted for 30 tackles (19 solo), including 8.0 sacks in 15 games played.

McDonald (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Patriots. The Iowa State product likely sustained a knee injury in the Jets' Week 16 loss to the Saints, and he's now in line to miss his first game of the season Sunday. McDonald has been a bright spot on New York's defensive line, tallying 30 total tackles, including 8.0 sacks, through 15 appearances this season. Expect Braiden McGregor and Micheal Clemons to fill in for McDonald on the Jets' defensive line in Week 17.