NFC North: Lions DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson leaves practice with leg injury

The first big NFC North injury from training camp may have occurred Monday with Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was carted off the practice field with a non-contact knee injury.

Lions’ S C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered a non-contact knee injury during Monday’s practice before being carted off. Brutal.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 24, 2023

The Lions signed Gardner-Johnson to a one-year, $6.5 million deal in free agency. He’s slated to start as Detroit’s slot defender in addition to some safety responsibilities.

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson started 12 games for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022. He enjoyed a productive season with 67 tackles and six interceptions.

UPDATE: According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Gardner-Johnson may have escaped serious injury:

There is optimism that #Lions DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s knee injury is not serious, per sources.

More tests to come after CJGJ went down in practice today, but as one source put it: “He’s fine.”

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 24, 2023