Lions DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson carted off at practice with non-contact injury

Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson went down with a leg injury during practice, according to team insider Tim Twentyman.

“Veteran Lions DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson went down with a right leg injury Monday & was carted off the field,” Twentyman wrote on Twitter. “He was visibly upset and team captains Buggs and Goff made it a point to go comfort him. Hoping for better news than it looked.”

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero added a report of a non-contact injury, a brutal sign for Gardner-Johnson and the Lions.

“A source described it as a non-contact knee injury for C.J. Gardner-Johnson, one of the big free-agent additions for Detroit,” Pelissero wrote on Twitter.

Pelissero later reported that there’s optimism Gardner-Johnson’s knee injury is not serious and one source said “he’s fine.”

Gardner-Johnson signed with the Lions on a one-year deal worth $8 million this offseason in what was described as a prove-it deal.

He reportedly turned down a multi-year offer to return to the Philadelphia Eagles, whom he helped reach Super Bowl LVII last season.

Gardner-Johnson recently opened up on his dislike for Eagles fans. A bit of a surprise after becoming a fan favorite in 2022.

While playing an online video game, someone paid $5 for Gardner-Johnson to answer a question. The individual asked for the defensive back to tell the world what his least-favorite thing was about Philadelphia. He didn’t hold back.

Like … at all.

“The people,” Gardner-Johnson responded. “They’re f***ing obnoxious. I f***ing can’t stand the f***ers.”

After hearing his comments about the people within the city, we’re guessing Philadelphia isn’t too upset by his departure. And if Eagles fans were discouraged, they probably got over it after seeing that video.

Prior to his lone year in Philly, Gardner-Johnson spent three seasons with the New Orleans Saints. In those three years, the defensive back racked up 161 tackles, 28 passes defended and five interceptions.

Gardner-Johnson was a fourth-round selection out of Florida in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Unfortunately for us innocent bystanders, the Lions do not play the Eagles during the 2023 regular season. Could you imagine the type of receptions Gardner-Johnson would’ve received if Detroit rolled into Philly this season?

But for now, Gardner-Johnson hopes to be on a quick road to recovery after a scary-looking injury in camp.