Lions hopeful Gardner-Johnson can return in ’23

Last updated: 2023/09/20 at 6:14 PM

BigP Published September 20, 2023

Eric Woodyard, ESPNSep 20, 2023, 01:08 PM ET
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ALLEN PARK, Michigan — Losing C.J. Gardner-Johnson certainly hurts the Detroit Lions, but coach Dan Campbell remains optimistic that the defensive back could return before the end of the season.

Gardner-Johnson, who was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, will have surgery after suffering a torn pectoral during Sunday’s 37-31 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

“Don’t quite know, but I know the reports that we’ve gotten back on it is that it was a very clean injury and that’s normally good for surgery, recovery all of those things,” Campbell said Wednesday. “So, I certainly think there’s a chance that we’d get him back.”

Losing Gardner-Johnson is a huge blow to the secondary, not only through his production but also his infectious energy both on and off the field. He started in both games this season, registering 13 total tackles with two passes defended.

“Look, I hate it for him. I hate it for us, but man, this train doesn’t stop,” Campbell said. “And so, with that, I think him being around has definitely made guys better.”

Veteran safety Tracy Walker III will get a heavier workload in Gardner-Johnson’s absence.

“We’re fortunate we’ve got Tracy,” Campbell said. “He’ll be ready to roll, and now some of that energy and slack has got to be picked up by the rest of the guys and it’s gotta come from somewhere else. It doesn’t have to come from one; it ought to come collectively.”

The Lions have been hit with a slew of injuries as they prepare for a Week 3 home matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

Star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is listed as day-to-day and missed practice Wednesday while he deals with a toe injury. Second-year edge rusher James Houston, who posted eight sacks as a rookie last season, was also placed on injured reserve Tuesday with an injury to his fibula.

“That’s a tough one, too,” Campbell said. “… I don’t want to sit here and tell you yes and then we don’t get him back, but I do think there’s a chance by the end of the year that we could get him back.”