Detroit Lions’ C.J. Gardner-Johnson Could Miss Rest of Season with Torn Pectoral
By Eric Woodyard, ESPN
Sep 18, 2023, 10:22 PM ET
DETROIT — The Detroit Lions suffered their first loss of the season on Sunday, and now they may have to face the rest of the year without defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
A source confirmed to ESPN that Gardner-Johnson is feared to have suffered a torn pectoral during the team’s 37-31 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The news was first reported by NFL Network.
Gardner-Johnson had an impressive performance against the Seahawks, playing 70 defensive snaps and finishing with eight tackles and two stuffs.
This is not the first time Gardner-Johnson has faced injury concerns. During Day 2 of training camp, he was carted off the field with a right leg injury. Fortunately, no structural damage was found in his knee, and he was able to return.
The Lions signed Gardner-Johnson as an unrestricted free agent on a one-year deal, making him one of their key offseason additions to bolster their secondary, which was in desperate need of improvement.
Having come off a Super Bowl appearance with the Philadelphia Eagles, Gardner-Johnson was hoping to bring a winning mentality to Detroit with his veteran presence.
Despite missing five games due to a lacerated kidney, Gardner-Johnson managed to record six interceptions in the 2022 season, tying for the most picks in the NFL.
This injury adds to the growing list of setbacks for the Lions. Running back David Montgomery is currently listed as day-to-day after suffering a thigh injury against the Seahawks, while offensive tackle Taylor Decker missed Sunday’s game with an ankle injury.
In addition, Lions guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai is expected to miss significant time due to a knee injury, and edge rusher James Houston is also sidelined with a fibula injury.