Earlier this season Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson was reported to undergo surgery to repair his torn pectoral muscle.
After Week 2 he was sidelined which was suffered in an overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks, since then placed on injured reserve expectations to miss the rest of the season.
𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧: #Lions S CJ Gardner Johnson has been medically cleared from his torn pec and will likely have his practice window opened next week.
CJ Gardner Johnson could provide a huge spark for the Detroit defense. pic.twitter.com/6UyalT6fwy
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) December 14, 2023
According to an update on his injury by Coach Dan Campbell, defensive back Johnson has been medically cleared.
Firstly, on Wednesday, Johnson shared his return in a social media post in reference with the popular sitcom “The Simpsons”.
Lions coach Dan Campbell also said on his return.
“Yeah, I got the same report, which is good news. It’s great news. So it is back to what we said, he is one of the X-Men. He’s got these mutant genes, because he has healed extremely quickly and he has got his strength back and (the pectoral muscle) is secure. So yeah, he’s going to be ready to go here pretty soon.”
He added,
“Yeah, Brad and I need to talk about it, but it’s good news. Certainly, the plan would be let’s get him going ASAP. That would be the plan, get him practicing, getting his legs back under him, get him in shape, football shape. That’s great news.”
The Lions would have three weeks to decide whether to re-add Johnson to the active roster or place him on season-ending injured reserve.
A return to practice next week would, at the very least, ensure an opportunity to play in the regular season finale against the Minnesota Vikings.
