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Good News Emerges for Ex-Eagles Star After Scary Moment
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What seemed like a season-ending issue turned out to be a minor setback for a former Philadelphia Eagles standout.
The veteran safety CJ Gardner-Johnson made headlines late last week as he went down in practice with a suspected ACL injury. According to reports, the Houston Texans went from having an energetic practice to going through the motions after they watched Gardner-Johnson carted off the field.
Initial reports suggested that Gardner-Johnson's injury was likely season-ending. That would've been a major blow for the Texans, considering they just traded for Gardner-Johnson back in March.
However, it was soon revealed that the veteran safety avoided a major setback. According to Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, Gardner-Johnson is expected to be back on the field at some point this season. The NFL Insider Adam Schefter recently noted that even Week 1 isn't ruled out for the former Eagle.
via @UnderDogNFL: HC Ryans on S CJ Gardner-Johnson's knee injury: "We're all thankful that the injury is not as extensive as first reported. We're excited that he'll be fine. ... Thankful to know we'll be seeing him back on the field this year."
HC Ryans on S CJ Gardner-Johnson's knee injury:
"We're all thankful that the injury is not as extensive as first reported. We're excited that he'll be fine. ... Thankful to know we'll be seeing him back on the field this year." — Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) August 9, 2025
Being in the NFL since 2019, Gardner-Johnson has been one of the most successful defensive backs. He started his career with the New Orleans Saints after getting drafted in the fourth round of the NFL Draft out of Florida.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson #8 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 22, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson #8 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 22, 2024 in New Orleans, spending three seasons in New Orleans with the Saints, Gardner-Johnson was traded to the Eagles ahead of the 2022 NFL season. In his first season with the Eagles, Gardner-Johnson appeared in 12 games. He collected 67 tackles, one sack, eight pass deflections and six interceptions, three more than his previous career-high.
That year, the Eagles made a run to the Super Bowl. Gardner-Johnson racked up 12 tackles throughout the postseason campaign, which ended with a Super Bowl loss. The Eagles couldn't come to an agreement with Gardner-Johnson in free agency, leading the safety to sign with the Detroit Lions for one year.
Gardner-Johnson's post-Eagles run the first time around included multiple setbacks. He played in just three games for the Lions. Ahead of the 2024 NFL season, the veteran safety re-joined the Eagles in free agency. He appeared in 16 games, producing 59 tackles, 12 pass deflections, and six interceptions.
For the first time in his career, Gardner-Johnson contributed to a Super Bowl win with the Eagles, who defeated the Kansas City Chiefs. Although he signed a multi-year contract with the Eagles, Gardner-Johnson was moved once again. He'll continue his career in the AFC with the Texans.
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