The Lions suffered a significant scare Monday after C.J. Gardner-Johnson was carted off the field with a non-contact injury, just two days after veterans reported to camp.
The injury is an ominous start for a team looking to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016, win its division for the first time since 1993 and win its first playoff game since 1991. Detroit went 3-13-1 under first-year coach Dan Campbell in 2021, then improved to 9-8, barely missing the playoffs.
Campbell has also addressed the "hype" around the team, which for the first time will not have to compete with four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers as quarterback of the Packers.
"I think as always, the thing that's gonna worry you is the hype train," Campbell told ESPN on Sunday. "I mean, as with most coaches, this thing is just taking off and it's out of control right now and that's fine, as long as we stay focused on the job at hand and the work. I just keep going back to that. We've got to put the work in and earn it."
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Gardner-Johnson joined the Lions on a one-year, $6.5 million contract a year after he helped the Eagles reach the Super Bowl with a league-leading six interceptions. His addition to the Lions secondary was massive, but that "hype" Campbell spoke of is certainly on pause as Detroit awaits a prognosis for the cornerback.
Here's everything you need to know about Gardner-Johnson's injury and updates:
C.J. Gardner-Johnson injury update
Gardner-Johnson — the 2022 co-leader in interceptions, with six — exited the field after suffering a non-contact injury, as originally reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. Gardner-Johnson signed with Detroit on a one-year, $6.5 million deal after contributing to an Eagles defense that helped the team reach the Super Bowl.
Lions’ S C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered a non-contact knee injury during Monday’s practice before being carted off. Brutal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 24, 2023
Further reporting by Eric Woodyard of ESPN indicates it was "light contact," and that Gardner-Johnson was visibly emotional as he was unable to put any weight on his right leg. He ultimately was helped up by trainers and carted off the field.
"When I went over there, I think he said somebody stepped on it, but I didn't see it. I just seen him go down and I seen him grabbing it. I went through that, too, where I grabbed mine," cornerback Jerry Jacobs told ESPN. "Not saying that I know what it is, but I'm just praying that it's not nothing like (an ACL). To see a guy like that with great energy and a great attitude to change the room. S— is so sad."
However, Lions could potentially have some good news. According to a report from Tom Pelissero of NFL.com, there's optimism his injury isn't serious.
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.”
Update: An MRI has revealed no structural damage to Gardner-Johnson's knee:
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.
This story will be updated.
