Report: C.J. Gardner-Johnson Feared to Have Torn Pec, Could Miss Season
The Detroit Lions could be without one of the top defensive backs in the entire NFL.
According to NFL media, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is feared to have suffered a torn pectoral muscle during Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks.
After not securing a long-term contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason, Detroit signed the talented safety to a one-year contract, reuniting him with defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
If he is lost for the season, it would be a major blow to the defense, as his ability to make plays and secure interceptions made him the interception leader last season.
Against the Seahawks, the defense seemed to have taken a step back.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell was asked Monday if the team needed to gel together more, as there are several new players that have joined the roster, especially in the secondary.
"Any time you lose, as a team, you took a step back. And so, there was a number of things we did really well against Kansas City and a number of things we didn’t do well that didn’t bite us. And, this was a totally different opponent than Kansas City," said Campbell. "Totally different style, totally different scheme and so, we didn’t handle that scheme well consistently.
"Now, we had a number of stops in there and really, I felt like -- now it’s a huge part of it, but talk about starting fast and we didn’t do that. They drove the length of the field, and they get a score. But, you start with a score, you end with a score and that’s really the, man, those are the two that really... that’s the frustrating (part) because there was a lot of good stuff in between there that I thought we did pretty well. But, look, we’ve got a ton of room for improvement," Campbell continued. "I say it all the time, ‘We’re in a race to improve.’ We’re in a race with everybody that we’re getting ready to play. We’re in a race with everybody in our division, too. How fast can we improve?”
Detroit could now turn to Tracy Walker, who returned this season after suffering a torn Achilles, to play alongside Kerby Joseph.
Rookie Brian Branch, who has played primarily at nickel cornerback, could also see playing time at safety. Branch has been touted by the coaching staff as a versatile player, capable of playing at multiple positions.
