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Houston Texans Safety CJ Gardner-Johnson was feared to have inflicted a significant injury in Thursday’s practice in West Virginia, but appears to have avoided the worst possible result, according to the latest update.
Gardner-Johnsons ACL is intact, but the team performs more testing to determine the extent of the injury, ESPN reported.
The team is reportedly not worried about Gardner-Johnsons ACL.
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Houston Texans Linebacker Azeez Al-Sharae (0) Greeting Security CJ Gardner-Johnson (23) during the back Together Weekend at the team’s NFL football training camp on Saturday, July 26, 2025 in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Gardner-Johnson, 27, was wounded when he tried to tackle the broad recipient John Metchie in practice. When the two came into contact, Gardner-Johnson fell to the ground and was in pain.
Security couldn’t put any pressure on his right leg, and medical staff eventually helped him a wagon.
“It’s heartbreaking when you see a guy go down on the field like that and don’t get up quickly,” head coach Demeco Ryans said of the injury after practice.
Texans’ CJ Gardner-Johnson driven from West Virginia Training Camp finale with possible leg damage: Report
Houston Texans Safety CJ Gardner-Johnson (23) arrives in practice at the team’s NFL football training camp, Friday, July 25, 2025, Houston. (AP Photo/Maria Lysaker)
“I’m always nervous as a head coach at any time I see someone hit the ground. It’s hard to see. So we’ll see – we evaluate CJ, see where he is, but no update at this time.”
Gardner-Johnson enters his first season with the Texans after he was acquired from Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for the left guard Kenyon Green. He was expected to be the team’s start -free security after the Texans lost Eric Murray in free agency to Jacksonville Jaguars.
CJ Gardner-Johnson, #8 of Philadelphia Eagles, warms up before the Super Bowl Lix against Kansas City Chiefs at Caesar’s Superdome on February 9, 2025 in New Orleans, LA. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Gardner-Johnson was excellent for the Super Bowl-winning Eagles last season. In 16 games in the regular season last year, security had six interceptions (including one returned to a touchdown), 59 combined tackles and a forced fumble.
Gardner-Johnson had 14 tackles in the team’s four playoff games.
