Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson carted off after suffering serious-looking leg injury
As concerned as head coach Dan Campbell is about the hype around the Detroit Lions right now, there are some things you just can't control--namely injuries. During Monday's practice, defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson was carted off the field after suffering what appeared to be a significant right leg injury.
The initial reports are dire.
Lions DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson carted off during today’s practice. Chasing after RB in a light team drill, just kind of crumbled in front of a few of us on the sideline. He was punching at knee/thigh when he hit the ground, and sounded to be in a lot of pain.
— Ben Raven (@BenjaminSRaven) July 24, 2023
During today's practice, #Lions CJ Gardner Johnson injured his right leg while going after a run play. The contact was not forceful, but he had to be taken off the field on a cart.
— Kory E. Woods (@KoryEWoods) July 24, 2023
Not a good scene from Day 2 of #Lions camp as DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson had to be carted off the practice field with a right leg injury. He was hurt during a light team drill and couldn’t put any power on his leg. Jared Goff and several teammates came to check on him afterwards.
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) July 24, 2023
C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered a non-contact leg injury during today's practice. Right leg, likely knee, but maybe hamstring. Had to be carted off after trainers worked with him for several minutes. Was understandably emotional.
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) July 24, 2023
A source described it as a non-contact knee injury for C.J. Gardner-Johnson, one of the big free-agent additions for Detroit. https://t.co/3Yol9RAYDn
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 24, 2023
The non-contact element has since been dismissed by reporters who are on site at Allen Park, as a blocker apparently touched him on the play in question. But the worst-case scenario, a torn ACL that would end Gardner-Johnson's season before it starts, is definitely possible.
Gardner-Johnson was one of the major free agent additions for the Lions this offseason, as they signed him to a one-year deal after he tied for the league lead with six interceptions for the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles last season. By all accounts he has been a immediate great fit in Detroit, on the practice field and as a veteran leader.
What would the Lions do without C.J. Gardner-Johnson?
Gardner-Johnson is (until there's firm injury news, we'll still say "is") lined up to be the Lions nickel/slot corner and a versatile piece in the secondary. If he is out, rookie Brian Branch would step into a similar hybrid role and Will Harris would be lined up for more snaps as a slot corner after primarily spending time in that role last year. A look outside the organization to add someone wouldn't be out of the question, if it comes to that.
An update on Gardner-Johnson will surely come when Campbell speaks to the media on Tuesday. It may simply be something like, "he's getting an MRI, and we'll know more when the results come back." Until there's a firm diagnosis, Lions fans will be left to hope a major injury was somehow avoided.
UPDATE, 12:10 ET: There is optimism Gardner-Johnson has avoided a major injury
There is optimism that #Lions DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson's knee injury is not serious, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 24, 2023
More tests to come after CJGJ went down in practice today, but as one source put it: “He’s fine.”
Confirming @TomPelissero, a team source has informed me Gardner-Johnson's injury doesn't appear to be serious.
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) July 24, 2023
Update No. 2, 1:12 PM ET:
The MRI on Lions S C.J. Gardner-Johnson revealed no structural damage to his knee and he is considered day-to-day at this time, I’m told.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) July 24, 2023
Great news for a huge part of Detroit’s reshaped secondary after Gardner-Johnson left practice earlier today.
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