ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a key addition this year, was carted off the field Monday after being injured and grabbing his right knee.
Gardner-Johnson was hurt during a noncontact drill on the second day of training camp.
The injury potentially is a major setback for a team that invested a lot to improve the secondary in hopes of contending and winning the NFC North this season. Imaging tests revealed no structural damage, according to reports, and Gardner-Johnson was listed as day-to-day.
Detroit signed Gardner-Johnson to an $8 million, one-year deal in March after adding cornerbacks Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley in free agency.
He had a career-high six interceptions last season with the Philadelphia Eagles after picking off five passes over three years in New Orleans. Gardner-Johnson has reunited with Lions head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn after playing for them with the Saints. Gardner-Johnson was traded to Philadelphia late in camp prior to the 2023 season after the two sides were unable to work out a contract extension.
A "revenge game" narrative appeared to be in the cards late in the year, but a kidney injury prevented Gardner-Johnson from getting on the field for the Week 17 matchup, a game the Saints won 20-10. Gardner-Johnson quickly became a fan-favorite in New Orleans as a firebrand slot corner that was able to get in the heads of opponents, even twice being punched by opposing wide receivers resulting in their ejections. Over 43 games he rolled up 161 tackles, 28 passes defensed and 5 interceptions.
If the 25-year-old defensive back has a long-term injury, rookie Brian Branch likely will have a chance to play an increased role sooner than was expected.
Detroit drafted the Alabama nickel corner in the second round with the 45th pick overall. The second-team All-America defensive back was one of two players in major college football to defend at least 20 passes and have four sacks over the previous three seasons.
The Lions are entering the season with the highest expectations they’ve had in years. They won eight of their final 10 games last season and finished with a winning record for the first time since 2017.
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WWL Radio staff writer Jeff Nowak contributed to this report