Ex-Eagles Player Gets Encouraging Update After Injury Scare
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Thursday's practice session for the Houston Texans went from business as usual to worrisome quickly. As the former Philadelphia Eagles safety CJ Gardner-Johnson went down with an injury, it was suspected he was dealing with a major injury.
The veteran safety needed to be carted off the field. More often than not, that's a sign that a player's season could be in jeopardy. For some time, it seemed like that could be it for Garner-Johnson.
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Initial reports suggested the star safety was staring at a missed first season in Houston. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport shared a positive update not long after the initial reports surfaced.
via @RapSheet: Good news for the #Texans: Safety C. J. Gardner-Johnson, who was carted off in practice today, did not tear his ACL, sources say. He's undergoing more tests, but initials tests have provided good news.
With the ACL intact, CJGJ avoided the worst-case scenario. More info coming.
With the ACL intact, CJGJ avoided worst-case scenario. More info coming. https://t.co/aRzQadCpPw — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 8, 2025
A torn ACL would've sent Gardner-Johnson into a season-long rehab. Instead, it seems he could get back out on the field to debut with the Texans at some point.
History repeats itself for Gardner-Johnson. Back in 2023, the veteran was gearing up for his first season with the Detroit Lions, one season after playing with the Eagles. Early on during training camp, Gardner-Johnson suffered a non-contact lower-body injury, which caused fears of a possible ACL injury.
Gardner-Johnson was cleared to begin the season with the Lions. Early on, he suffered another injury, which placed him on the injured reserve. Before the Lions made it to the Playoffs, Gardner-Johnson appeared in just three games.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson #8 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after being ejected from the game against the Washington Commanders during the fourth quarter at Northwest Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Landover, Maryland.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson #8 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after being ejected from the game against the Washington Commanders during the fourth quarter at Northwest Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Landover, Maryland.Read More: Jason Kelce Drops Honest Take on Eagles Super Bowl Debate
Last spring, Gardner-Johnson returned to the Eagles on a reported three-year deal. He would remain healthy, appearing in 16 games for the Eagles throughout the season.
During his first stint with the Eagles, Gardner-Johnson appeared in 12 games, racking up 67 tackles, eight pass deflections, and six interceptions.
In 2024, Gardner-Johnson played in 16 games, picking up 59 tackles, 12 pass deflections, and six more interceptions.
After helping the Eagles contend for another Super Bowl, Gardner-Johnson was included in a trade. He was sent to Houston with two years left on his deal.
It's unclear when Gardner-Johnson will make his way back out on the field for the Texans this season. The positive news is that the former Eagles star isn't dealing with anything overly concerning.
For more Philadelphia Eagles and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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