C.J. Gardner-Johnson Leaves Practice with Injury
Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson left training camp practice Monday with an apparent right leg injury.
The fourth-year veteran went down during a rep during the team's morning practice.
He was signed to a one-year deal this offseason, and is expected to play a key role on the Lions' defense this season.
The severity of the injury is not immediately known, but he was carted off the field at the team's Allen Park facility.
Teammates Isaiah Buggs and Halapoulivaati Vaitai came over to the cart to show solidarity and support.
The Lions began practices Sunday, and will remain without pads until later in the week.
Last season, Gardner-Johnson tied for the league lead with six interceptions. He joined the Lions after hopes for a long-term contract fell through early in the offseason.
He has familiarity with Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who helped coached him at "The Opening" during his high school career and later with the New Orleans Saints.
The Lions made secondary depth a priority during free agency, signing the safety, along with cornerbacks Cam Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley.
Moseley is currently on the PUP list, while rehabbing an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament suffered last season.
The Lions also return two contributors at safety in Kerby Joseph and Tracy Walker III, who is recovering from a torn Achilles. Both will play key roles in the defensive backfield this season.
Rookie Brian Branch, a second-round pick, will also factor in, as he grows acclimated to the Lions' defensive scheme.
Stay tuned to All Lions for further updates.
