CJ Gardner-Johnson, Houston Texans security suffered a regarding damage throughout a coaching camp observe on the Greenbrier in West Virginia. The incident has raised alarm amongst followers and teammates, given Gardner-Johnson’s essential function within the Texans’ protection.
What occurred through the observe?
Throughout a routine drill, Gardner-Johnson went down whereas defending extensive receiver John Metchie III. Based on reviews, he was in vital ache, unable to place weight on his proper leg, and visibly annoyed, even pounding the bottom.
The severity of the second was evident as teammates gathered round, taking a knee in a present of help, whereas a cart was introduced to move him off the sphere. The observe subject fell silent.
Gardner-Johnson, who was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in an offseason commerce, was instantly attended by crew medical personnel. He’s present process a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination to find out the extent of the damage, which early reviews counsel might contain his knee or decrease leg.
Impression on the Houston Texans’ protection
Gardner-Johnson was anticipated to play a major function within the Texans’ secondary, bringing his instinctive play and ball-hawking expertise to a crew aiming to construct on its defensive strengths.
Within the earlier season, he tied a career-high with six interceptions whereas serving to the Eagles safe a Super Bowl. His commerce to Houston was seen as a significant coup for the Texans’ protection.
The potential lack of Gardner-Johnson, even quickly, might disrupt the Texans’ defensive plans. He was slated to start out alongside security Calen Bullock, forming a robust duo within the secondary.
The crew now faces uncertainty as they await MRI outcomes to grasp whether or not this damage might sideline him for an prolonged interval or, in a worst-case situation, the whole 2025 season.
What’s subsequent for Gardner-Johnson and the Texans?
The rapid focus is on the MRI outcomes, which is able to dictate the following steps for Gardner-Johnson’s restoration and the Texans’ defensive technique. If the damage is much less extreme, corresponding to a sprain, he might return in time for the common season. Nonetheless, a extra critical analysis, like a ligament tear, might power the Texans to depend on depth gamers or discover the marketplace for further secondary assist.
