The Detroit Lions continue to enjoy a healthy roster after an injury-plagued 2024 season. Simply making it to Week 1 with all their star players healthy is going to feel like a win within itself. However, not all teams have been as fortunate, with the Houston Texans dealing with a number of key injuries before preseason action has even begun. This includes a former Lions defender who was a key piece of Detroit's return to prominence. C.J. Gardner-Johnson was a huge piece in the 2023 season that announced the Lions as NFC contenders. Still, the veteran moved on, returning to the Philadelphia Eagles for the 2024 season.
A move that caught a lot of attention based on the veteran's exit from the franchise the first time around. Things would end a bit differently with Gardner-Johnson helping the Eagles win a Super Bowl and then becoming an offseason cap concern, being moved to the Texans. It made sense for Houston to acquire an established defender who is known as a tone setter. While this works to the veteran's detriment at times, it is a clear asset that is going to create a number of big plays for any defense fortunate enough to have the safety in the lineup.
#Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnsom is down and it looks serious. Appears to be his knee. Field is silent. Players are all taking a knee @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 7, 2025
Former Lions Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson Suffers Serious Camp Injury
With the Texans already struggling with injuries, it appears another brutal blow has fallen with Gardner-Johnson going down in camp. While we are yet to have confirmation, it was reportedly a knee injury that was serious enough to halt practice. Players were kneeling, giving the veteran respect as the training staff dealt with the injury. In a game this physical that requires such a fast change of direction, these types of injuries feel inevitable.
However, that doesn't make it any easier and is a difficult update for a respected former Lions defender. It serves as a reminder as well of how fortunate the franchise has been through the early stages of camp. Understanding what they have in this roster, fans don't care about the preseason results but simply want to see the team make it to the regular season in one piece.
For Gardner-Johnson, it is a difficult setback for a player who was a Super Bowl champion and appeared poised to help Houston take the next step in contention. If the injury is as serious as it appeared, it doesn't seem likely the Texans' safety is taking the field anytime soon.