Lions Get Surprise Injury News Before Week 15 vs. Broncos

It’s no secret that the Lions’ defense has struggled lately as the team has lost two of its past three games.

But help is on the way! Detroit coach Dan Campbell announced Thursday that prized offseason acquisition C.J. Gardner-Johnson could return to practice as soon as next week.

That’s HUGE news for a defense that’s allowed 26+ points in five straight games.

Lions News: C.J. Gardner-Johnson Nearing Return from Injury

Gardner-Johnson was a key addition to Detroit’s defense this past offseason, but a torn pectoral muscle put an end to his contributions in Week 2.

He had already recorded 13 tackles and a pair of pass breakups in his limited time on the field, and his return is EXACTLY what the Lions need right now.

Campbell recently said Gardner-Johnson’s timeline to return to practice was late December to early January, but it appears that’s been moved up.

“He’s gotten the strength back, it is secure … He’s going to be ready to go soon,” Campbell told the Detroit Free Press on Thursday, just days after saying he wasn’t sure when the safety would be ready at full strength.

Of course, we can’t get too excited yet.

Gardner-Johnson will have to miss at least one more game, possibly two, and the Lions’ lead in the NFC North has dwindled down to two games over the Vikings.

However, Detroit still has two games against Minnesota, including a Week 18 game that gives Gardner-Johnson plenty of time to return.

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