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Silence fell at Houston Texans’ last training camp in West Virginia after one of the team’s most important defensive players seemed seriously wounded.
The Texans’ last intrasquad scrimmage at Greenbrier Resort was well underway when the defensive back CJ Gardner-Johnson fell to the ground after tackling teammate John Metchie III.
Gardner-Johnson was in noticeable discomfort and seemed to have a hard time moving his right leg. Texan coaches and fellow players soon surrounded Gardner-Johnson before medical staff helped the safety of a wagon.
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Detroit Lions Safety CJ Gardner-Johnson before a game against Kansas City Chiefs 7 September 2023 at Geha Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. (Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Gardner-Johnson won his first Super Bowl title last season under his second stint with Philadelphia Eagles. The month after Eagles caught the franchise’s second Vince Lombardi trophy, Gardner-Johnson was sent to Houston.
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Eagles received offensive Lineman Kenyon Green in exchange for Gardner-Johnson. The trade also involved a draft of the pick swap.
Gardner-Johnson’s arrival in Houston helped fill a void at the security place. Jimmie Ward is listed as a backup -free security at Texans’ depth card, but he was recently placed on the physically unable to perform the list due to a foot problem.
Houston Texans Safety CJ Gardner-Johnson during training camp in Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston July 23, 2025. (Troy Taormina/IMAGN -Pictures)
An arrest in Montgomery County, Texas, in June after an alleged family violence event had already made it unclear if Ward would be ready to play when the regular season starts next month.
As of Thursday, Ward had not been subjected to any disciplinary action from the NFL.
CJ Gardner-Johnson from Philadelphia Eagles against Houston Texans at NRG Stadium November 3, 2022 in Houston. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
If Gardner-Johnson misses the time, the Texans could turn to Safeties MJ Stewart or RUSS yeast.
The Secondary of the Texans still contains Derek Stingley Jr., who received all-Pro-Hænderkerts after his prominent 2024 season. Kamari Lassites are split as the team’s second start cornerback.
Gardner-Johnson ended the campaign in 2024 with six interceptions that tied his career mound in one season.
Pakinomist Digital contacted the Texans for more information about Gardner-Johnson’s apparent injury.
