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The Houston Texans were dealt a serious scare during their final training session at The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia, as newly acquired safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson went down with a right leg injury, casting uncertainty over the team’s defensive plans for the upcoming NFL season.
Texans Hold Their Breath as Gardner-Johnson Goes Down
The incident occurred during a scrimmage on Thursday when Gardner-Johnson collided with wide receiver John Metchie III while attempting a tackle. Moments after the contact, the standout safety collapsed and was visibly in pain, unable to move his lower right leg. Practice came to a standstill as medical personnel and concerned teammates gathered around.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson was eventually carted off the field, unable to put any weight on his right leg. The image of the star defender writhing in pain was an emotional gut-punch for a Texans team that had invested heavily in him this offseason.
Initial Tests Show Positive Signs — But Concerns Remain
According to reports by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, preliminary tests have confirmed that Gardner-Johnson's ACL is intact, offering a glimmer of hope. However, the Texans are not in the clear just yet — additional testing is underway to fully assess the severity of the injury and determine the timeline for recovery.
The 26-year-old was expected to play a critical role in a revamped Texans secondary following his trade from the Philadelphia Eagles in March. His arrival was seen as a replacement for Eric Murray, who joined the Jacksonville Jaguars on a three-year, $22.5 million deal.
A Defensive Shake-Up Looms in Houston
C.J. Gardner-Johnson's potential absence could spell trouble for a Houston defense that had high hopes heading into the season. The veteran safety notched six interceptions in 2024, tying for third-most in the league, and boasts 18 career picks — a level of playmaking that helped the Texans rank 6th in passing yards allowed and 13th in scoring defense last season.
Without him, the team will have to consider their depth options. M.J. Stewart and Russ Yeast are the next men up, while Jalen Pitre, who played safety from 2022 to 2023, may also be shuffled around. The Texans are also awaiting the return of Jimmie Ward, who remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list amid an ongoing legal matter from June.
Texans Face Crucial Decisions Ahead
As Houston awaits the final medical report on C.J. Gardner-Johnson, the coaching staff and front office must prepare for potential contingency plans. A defense that appeared stacked with talent could now be tested early, just weeks ahead of the season opener.
The Texans are hoping for the best — but preparing for the worst.
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