MINNEAPOLIS – Texans veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson underwent further testing that provided a positive medical outlook.
Gardner-Johnson’s in jury is not regarded as long-term, as initially feared, and he could return relatively soon, perhaps by the Texans’ season opener Sept. 7 against the Los Angeles Rams, per league sources. It’s a best-case scenario for Gardner-Johnson, whose right knee was injured in practice while covering wide receiver John Metchie III and was carted off the field Thursday morning.
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Video showed that Gardner-Johnson’s cleat slid across the grass at The Greenbrier Sports Performance Center and then the cleat got stuck in the grass, leaving his leg in a vulnerable position.
The type of knee injury Gardner-Johnson sustained can be treated through a combination of rest and rehab, or even a PRP shot to address the inflammation in the joint. In more severe injuries, it can be treated with an arthroscopic procedure.
“It’s heartbreaking when you see a guy go down on the field like that,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “I’m always nervous as a head coach when I see anyone hit the ground. It’s tough to watch. We’ll evaluate C.J., see where he is.”
Gardner-Johnson, acquired in an offseason trade from the Philadelphia Eagles, was defending Metchie in a routine play in a scrimmage. Gardner-Johnson intercepted six passes for the Super Bowl champions last season and is slated for a major role in the Texans’ defense as a starter opposite Calen Bullock.
Practice was halted for several minutes as teammates took a knee and prayed for Gardner-Johnson.
“It’s heartfelt because we’re a team, we’re all in this together,” Ryans said. “You see the emotion from our team. We care about each other. I’ve been on teams where coaches just move the ball up and you keep practicing. Well, I think that’s very insensitive so we’re going to take the time there for guys to take a knee and pray for him, just make sure they send their teammate off well.”
In acquiring Gardner-Johnson, the Texans added a ball-hawking safety.
Gardner-Johnson had six interceptions last season for a championship team, one more than Calen Bullock did as a rookie for the Texans. Gardner-Johnson provides a hard-hitting, instinctive presence. He has 18 career interceptions.
The Texans ranked sixth in passing defense and 13th in scoring defense last season and appear primed for major improvements this season on defense.
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com