The Detroit Lions have been without one of their top defensive backs for the majority of the season after recent free agent addition C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered a torn pectoral during the team’s Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. But it sounds like he could be returning to the team in the near future.
According to ESPN, the 21-day practice window for C.J. Gardner-Johnson could start as soon as next week as has been medically cleared to return. This update led to Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell praising Gardner-Johnson for his “mutant genes” that have aided his speedy return to health.
“He’s one of the X-Men, he’s got these mutant genes because he has healed extremely quickly, and he’s gotten his strength back. It is secure,” Campbell said according to ESPN. “So, yeah, he’s going to be ready to go here pretty soon.”
The Lions have now lost back-to-back games as they try to keep pace in the postseason race, so if Gardner-Johnson is able to return to the team’s lineup in the next few weeks, that would be a massive boost to the team.
Detroit needs all the help it can get on the defensive side of the ball after giving up 25 or more points in five straight games, which is the longest active streak in NFL.
[ESPN]
