Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (shoulder) is currently sidelined at training camp with a shoulder injury, but it's not considered a long-term injury. With Gardner-Johnson sidelined at Tuesday's training camp practice, Avonte Maddox is filling in for him with the first-team defense. When healthy, the 26-year-old Gardner-Johnson is a lock to start at safety for an Eagles secondary that was a liability for the defense in 2023. The former fourth-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2019 out of Florida only played in three games last year for the Detroit Lions due to a torn pectoral muscle before signing a three-year deal with Philly in March. Gardner-Johnson's six interceptions with the Eagles in 2022 represent half of his career total. He's useful as a bye-week filler at defensive back in IDP leagues when he's healthy.
The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to terms on a deal with safety/defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson on Tuesday. The 26-year-old is headed back to Philly on a three-year, $33 million deal. Gardner-Johnson spent the 2022 season in Philly where he flourished as a free safety. That season, Gardner-Johnson finished with 67 tackles, eight passes defended, and a league-leading eight interceptions in 12 games. After that, Gardner-Johnson headed to Detroit but only ended up playing in three games with the Lions last season. The move back to Philly appears to be a great decision for both sides.
Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) will make his return to the field ahead of the Week 18 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. A welcoming sight considering Gardner-Johnson has been out since tearing his pectoral muscle in Week 2. The Lions were hopeful for big things from Gardner-Johnson after signing him to a big deal this offseason. The good news is that he'll be back in time for the postseason. His return will give the Lions secondary a significant boost heading into the regular season finale.
Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) and linebacker James Houston (ankle) have been ruled out for the Week 17 game against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday night. Cornerback Cameron Sutton (toe) is also questionable. Gardner-Johnson was limited in practice all week but still isn't quite ready to return and will miss his 14th straight game of the year after getting hurt early in 2023. At this point, the Lions are just hoping that the 26-year-old will be able to help them in the playoffs. Houston returned to practice on Thursday for the first time since fracturing his ankle in Week 2, so he's understandably not ready to return to game action just yet. It's probably a stretch to expect him to play in the Week 18 regular season finale against the Minnesota Vikings as well.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson Likely To Be Designated To Return From IR This Week
Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) is expected to be designated to return from Injured Reserve this week, according to head coach Dan Campbell. The veteran defensive back has been on IR since he suffered a torn pec in the Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. His return to the lineup could provide a major boost to a Lions defense that has been hit-or-miss this season. While he's not a lock to play in Week 16 against the Minnesota Vikings, he should be able to return for the team's playoff run. Gardner-Johnson tied for the league lead in interceptions (six) last season as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner Johnson (torn pec) was officially placed on the injured reserve list on Tuesday following his injury during Sunday's 37-31 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Gardner-Johnson reportedly suffered the injury early in the game. However, he only missed two snaps before playing the rest of the contest. The IR designation assures that the safety will be out for at least four games, but he'll be out for much longer, potentially for the season. In IDP leagues, the safety can surely be dropped in most formats. Tracy Walker is expected to step up in his place.
Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) is feared to have suffered a torn pectoral muscle in the Week 2 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, according to sources. Gardner-Johnson had been a big part of Detroit's defense and is now out indefinitely and potentially for the rest of the season. It's pretty bad news for a Lions defense that allowed 37 points to the Seahawks after holding the reigning Super Bowl-champion Kansas City Chiefs to just 20 points in the season opener. Look for the 25-year-old's injury to be confirmed in the coming days. Fantasy managers that were using him in their starting DB spot will probably be forced to drop him this week. Ifeatu Melifonwu is the prime candidate to start at free safety for the Lions moving forward.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson Gets In Limited Practice Saturday
Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (knee) returned for Saturday's practice in a limited fashion. Even though he's not a full participant, it's a very promising sight after the 25-year-old exited on a cart from Monday's session following a non-contact knee injury. Gardner-Johnson seems to have avoided a serious setback and has ample time to get fully healthy before Week 1, so his status for the opening week doesn't seem to be in jeopardy at this stage. The former fourth-rounder led the NFC in interceptions (six) last season.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson Expected To Miss "A Day Or Two"
Detroit Lions Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was carted off the field on Monday after a scary non-contact knee injury, but his MRI showed no structural damage. Lions head coach Dan Campbell said the 25-year-old defensive back is expected to be out for just a day or two and the injury doesn't appear to be anything serious. This is great news for the Lions, who had one of the worst defensive back-ends in the NFL last season. If Detroit is competent on defense in 2023, they should be well within contention to win the NFC North.
Updating from a previous post, Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson's MRI revealed he did not suffer any structural damage to his knee. The 25-year-old defensive back suffered a non-contact knee injury in practice on Monday and was carted off the field, but is now considered "day-to-day". This is great news and a sigh of relief for Gardner-Johnson and the Detroit Lions rebuilt secondary. The team will likely play it safe with last year's interception co-leader early on in training camp, but he should have no problem getting back on the field for the Thursday night season-opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.
