Lions’ safety is sidelined for Week 17 against the Cowboys

admin | December 29, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

CJ Gardner-Johnson will not play right away.

The Detroit Lions fanbase will have to wait a little longer, as safety CJ Gardner-Johnson has been ruled out of the Lions’ Week 17 game against the Dallas Cowboys, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Gardner-Johnson tore his pectoral muscle against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. Despite the injury, the 26-year-old played through it, finishing the game with eight combined tackles (seven solo and one assisted). Gardner-Johnson had 13 total tackles and two passes defended in two games with the Lions.

While the safety has been medically cleared to play again and has already been training with the Lions, the team appears to be taking precautions to ensure that Gardner-Johnson is 100% when he returns.

What Gardner-Johnson brings to the Lions

Gardner-Johnson had his greatest season with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022-23 after three seasons with the New Orleans Saints. Gardner-Johnson has 67 combined tackles (61 solo and six assisted), eight passes defended, and six interceptions in 12 regular season games. He had 12 combined tackles in three postseason games, four of which came in the Eagles’ Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Gardner-Johnson has recently posted multiple Instagram videos anticipating his return. It’s not surprising given the Lions’ current winning streak. Detroit now leads the NFC North with an 11-3 record, their first division title in over 30 years. The Lions enter their game against the Cowboys riding a two-game victory streak, one of which being a nasty beating of the Denver Broncos in Week 15.

When CJ Gardner-Johnson returns, the Lions will undoubtedly be a more formidable club than they are now.