Lions' C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Productive when healthy in 2023
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Gardner-Johnson recorded 17 tackles and three passes defended including one interception over three regular-season games in 2023.
Gardner-Johnson signed a one-year deal to defend the slot in Detroit, but he ultimately was moved to safety to accommodate impressive rookie Brian Branch before missing 14 games due to a torn pectoral muscle. However, Gardner-Johnson was nonetheless productive when healthy, as the playmaker snagged a pick not only in his Week 18 return from injured reserve but also in Detroit's divisional-round win over Tampa Bay. Now set to become an unrestricted free agent, Gardner-Johnson may have to settle for another one-year contract given his injury-marred 2023.
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Lions' C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Taken off IR
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The Lions activated Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) from injured reserve Saturday, and he does not carry an injury designation ahead of Sunday's contest against the Vikings.
Gardner-Johnson is set to play for the first time since Week 2, when he tore his pectoral against the Seahawks. He should work into the Lions' safety rotation along with Kerby Joseph, Ifeatu Melifonwu and Tracy Walker.
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Lions' C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Officially questionable for Sunday
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Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus the Vikings.
Gardner-Johnson was a full participant at practice all week, so he's likely on the probable end of the questionable designation. Per Justin Rogers of The Detroit News, if Gardner-Johnson plays, it could be as part of a three-man rotation at safety, which he has expressed displeasure about. If he doesn't suit up in Week 18, it could mean an uptick in reps for Tracy Walker.
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Lions' C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Looking good for Week 18
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Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) was a full participant at practice Wednesday.
Gardner-Johnson has been sidelined for the last 14 weeks due to a pectoral injury he sustained in Week 2 versus the Seahawks, but it finally looks like he'll be available again in Week 18. Detroit can do no worse than the third seed and no better than the second seed in the NFC though, so it remains to be seen whether its starters will play much Sunday.
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Lions' C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Won't play versus Minnesota
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Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Vikings.
Per Colton Pouncy of The Athletic, head coach Dan Campbell noted Friday that he doesn't "see [Gardner-Johnson] going this week" but believes he's progressing well. Gardner-Johnson played the first two games of the season before being placed on injured reserve Sept. 19 with a torn pectoral. He could be back for Week 17 against the Cowboys.
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Lions' C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Designated to return from IR
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Detroit designated Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) to return from injured reserve Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Gardner-Johnson suffered a torn pec against Seattle in Week 2 and landed on IR soon thereafter. He's been working toward a return since and was able to log a limited practice session Wednesday. Gardner-Johnson may not be ready to return Sunday against Minnesota, but his ability to get back on the practice field gives him a chance of suiting up again before the end of the regular season.
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Lions' C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Could still return this season
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Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) is looking at a late-December or early-January return, according to head coach Dan Campbell, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic reports.
Gardner-Johnson suffered the injury Week 2 against the Seahawks and his status for the remainder of the season has remained in doubt. However, after fears that he would not return this year, it appears the star safety could take the field again before the 2023 campaign comes to a close. The Florida product will remain on IR for now, but a late-season comeback by the 25-year-old would be a significant boost to the Lions' secondary.
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Lions' C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Could return this season
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Coach Dan Campbell said there's a "chance" Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) plays again this season, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.
Gardner-Johnson was placed on injured reserve Tuesday. Eric Woodyard of ESPN reports that the Lions at one point feared Gardner-Johnson had suffered a torn pectoral, but Campbell isn't ruling out a return for the standout safety, yet. For at least the foreseeable future, though, Tracy Walker figures to take on an expanded role for Detroit's secondary.
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Lions' C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Could be dealing with torn pectoral
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Gardner-Johnson is feared to have suffered a torn pectoral in Sunday's 37-31 overtime loss to the Seahawks, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Gardner-Johnson exited the Lions' Week 2 contest a little worse for wear and could be looking at a season-ending injury. More information on his status will likely be provided in the coming days, but in the meantime, Ifeatu Melifonwu or Tracy Walker could ascend into a starting role at safety alongside Kerby Joseph.
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Lions' C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Considered day-to-day
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Johnson (knee) is day-to-day after being carted off the field with a non-contact injury Monday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.
Gardner-Johnson's MRI revealed no structural damage to his right knee, a huge relief considering the severity often associated with non-contact knee injuries. Based on reports that Gardner-Johnson is day-to-day, he could even return without missing a substantial amount of training camp. He's primed for an integral role in Detroit's secondary once he's healthy.
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Lions' C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Injury may not be serious
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The Lions are optimistic that Gardner-Johnson (knee) has avoided a severe injury, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Gardner-Johnson was carted off the practice field due to a non-contact injury Monday, but one source told Pelissero that "he's fine." That would be exceptional news for Detroit's secondary, as Gardner-Johnson was one of the team's top offseason additions in free agency. Further testing should confirm the severity of Gardner-Johnson's injury in the near future.
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Eagles' C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Career year in fourth pro season
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Gardner-Johnson finished the regular season with career highs in tackles (67) and interceptions (six).
Gardner-Johnson totaled five interceptions across his three seasons in New Orleans, but he broke out following his late-August trade to Philadelphia. His six picks earned him a share of the league lead. The Eagles will presumably want to bring him back following his strong first season in midnight green, but he'll be a free agent after the year and could elect to move elsewhere.
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Eagles' C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Ruled out for game
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Gardner-Johnson (ribs) won't return to Sunday's game against the Packers.
Gardner-Johnson was initially considered questionable to return after being carted to the locker room in the first quarter of Sunday's game, and he'll be unavailable down the stretch. Whether he's available next Sunday against the Titans remains to be seen.
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Eagles' C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Dealt to Eagles
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Gardner-Johnson was traded to the Eagles from the Saints on Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
In a shocking turn of events, Gardner-Johnson is headed to the Eagles in exchange for a fifth-round pick in 2023 and a sixth-rounder in 2024. The 24-year-old had been in contract negotiations with the Saints, but the two sides couldn't agree and the Saints opted to move him. Gardner-Johnson played in 12 games with New Orleans last season, registering 46 tackles, including two sacks, while deflecting seven passes and intercepting three more. Anthony Harris was released by the Eagles on Tuesday, opening a starting spot for Gardner-Johnson at free safety.
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Saints' C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Back from IR
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Gardner-Johnson (foot) was activated from IR on Saturday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.
Gardner-Johnson missed the last four games with the injury. He should return to fill a significant role in the secondary when the Saints take on the Jets on Sunday.
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Saints' C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Seen in walking boot
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Gardner-Johnson (foot) was seen in a walking boot Thursday, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.
Gardner-Johnson was a non-participant in Wednesday's practice, and it appears as though he's trending in the wrong direction ahead of Sunday's game against Tennessee. Malcolm Jenkins should handle additional work if Gardner-Johnson is unavailable Sunday.
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Saints' C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Dealing with foot injury
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Gardner-Johnson is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Falcons due to a foot injury.
Gardner-Johnson suffered the injury in the second quarter of the matchup, though the exact issue remains unclear. Prior to his exit, Gardner-Johnson recorded two tackles and one pass defended.
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Saints' C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Gets pick in win
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Gardner-Johnson had six tackles (five solo), a interception and a defensed pass in a 36-27 win over Tampa Bay on Sunday.
Gardner-Johnson's pick came late in the second half, and he was able to return it 26 yards to Tampa Bay's 35-yard line. The short field helped lead to a New Orleans touchdown. Both his tackle tally and 98.0 percent snap share during the contest were season highs.
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Saints' C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Leads team in tackles again
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Gardner-Johnson compiled nine tackles (eight solo) and tackles for a loss in the Saints' 26-23 OT win over the Bears on Sunday.
CJGJ lead the team in tackles Sunday, though he'll likely be remembered more for his on-field scuffle. Gardner-Johnson was sucker punched by Javon Wims after Wims accused him of spitting on him and ripping out his mouthpiece. Gardner-Johnson finished the game, but Wims was immediately ejected. Gardner-Johnson will have a tall order in Week 9 against Tampa Bay.
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Saints' Chauncey Gardner-Johnson: Preparing to start
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Gardner-Johnson (concussion) is lining up as a starter for the team's Week 16 contest against the Titans, John Hendrix of Sports Illustrated reports.
Gardner-Johnson has played an inconsistent role for the team throughout the season. However, he cleared concussion protocol in time for the team's Week 16 contest and should be in line for an increased role with Vonn Bell (knee) inactive.
