C.J. Gardner-Johnson stands up for Jared Goff after Cam Newton diss

Jared Goff has been pretty good over the last couple seasons for the Detroit Lions, but that hasn't stopped him from catching criticism in the court of public opinion.

Lately Goff has been struggling, and Cam Newton served up a fresh opinion about him. On his "4th and 1" podcast, Newton called Goff, Brock Purdy, Tua Tagovailoa and Dak Prescott out as game managers, as in not difference-makers for their teams.

Detroit defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson saw Newton's diss and fired back in defense of Goff.

Goff has always struggled to fight off unflattering labels, but it's hard to ignore what he has achieved with the Lions since being acquired from the Los Angeles Rams. Over three seasons in Detroit, Goff has thrown for 11,132 yards and 69 touchdowns. He also, of course, has the Lions on the verge of a playoff birth this season.

Nevertheless, Newton isn't impressed with his role in the Lions' success. Safe to say Gardner-Johnson vehemently disagrees.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson pushing closer to injury return for Detroit Lions

It seems Gardner-Johnson will be able to get back on the field to let his play do the talking soon. After a Week 2 pectoral injury against the Seattle Seahawks seemed sure to knock him out for the year, he's now in a position to return.

After a furious few months of rehab, Gardner-Johnson is on the verge of completing his comeback. A new post to his Instagram account makes it sound as if he will be back on the field soon.

Initially, Dan Campbell wasn't sure that Gardner-Johnson could return for the conclusion of the regular season. But in a recent update, Campbell acknowledged there is a chance for a comeback.

Detroit's struggling defense is looking to rediscover its edge, and having a passionate teammate like Gardner-Johnson return to action could help fuel that turnaround.