Detroit Lions announce unfortunate decision on C.J. Gardner-Johnson, James Houston
Just moments ago, the Detroit Lions officially announced some news that we hoped we would not have to hear this season. According to the Lions, both C.J. Gardner-Johnson and James Houston have been placed on Injured-Reserve. Both Gardner-Johnson and Houston suffered injuries during the Lions overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday afternoon.
Tough Break for Gardner-Johnson and Houston
Losing both Gardner-Johnson (torn pectoral muscle) and Houston (fractured ankle) is a tough blow for the Lions' defense. Initial reports were that Gardner-Johnson would likely miss the remainder of the season, but Dan Campbell said on Tuesday that there is a chance he will come back and play at some point in 2023.
“We knew there was a little something there, but he was able to play with it,” Dan Campbell said. “But you could tell he was restricted. So we got it checked out and got the results last night.”
“I hate it for (Gardner-Johnson). That’s tough, but we’ll see where this thing goes,” Campbell said. “There’s a chance he comes back this season. Listen, we’ve got Tracy, man. That’s why Tracy Walker’s here. He’s somebody that there’s a reason why we wanted to re-sign him, he was coming off injury, and it’s next man up. Here we go.”
As far as Houston goes, he is expected to miss 6-8 weeks with a fractured ankle.
TL;DR (too long didn't read)
- Injury Placements: The Detroit Lions have made an unfortunate announcement, placing both C.J. Gardner-Johnson and James Houston on Injured Reserve. Both players sustained injuries during the Lions' overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks, dealing a significant blow to the team's defense.
- Gardner-Johnson's Uncertain Timeline: C.J. Gardner-Johnson's injury, a torn pectoral muscle, initially appeared season-ending. However, head coach Dan Campbell expressed hope that Gardner-Johnson might return to action at some point in the 2023 season. The injury was discovered after Gardner-Johnson continued to play despite restrictions, prompting a closer examination.
- Houston's Recovery Outlook: James Houston, who suffered a fractured ankle, is expected to be sidelined for 6-8 weeks. His absence leaves a void in the Lions' defensive lineup, adding to the challenges the team faces due to injuries.
Bottom Line: Nex Man Up
The Detroit Lions have been hit hard by injuries to key defensive players, with C.J. Gardner-Johnson's status remaining uncertain, but with a glimmer of hope for a return later in the season. Meanwhile, James Houston's recovery timeline is more defined, with a 6-8 week absence expected. These developments pose significant challenges for the Lions as they navigate the rest of the season, emphasizing the need for depth and resilience within the team.
