Bills’ CJ Gardner-Johnson Carted Off The Field With Serious Injury That Does Not Look Good [VIDEO]
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The Buffalo Bills suffered their first notable injury of training camp. Veteran safety CJ Gardner-Johnson left Saturday morning’s practice on a cart.
Multiple reports confirmed the lower leg injury. He went down during 11-on-11 team drills. Trainers escorted him to the medical tent. It appeared he got rolled up on. His right foot got caught. Staff examined the back of his leg for several minutes. A team member then drove him to the locker room.
He had looked sharp in the early days of camp. The Bills signed him this offseason to add fight and ball-hawking ability to the secondary. Coaches projected him as the starting strong safety.
CJ Gardner-Johnson Leaves Practice After Lower Leg Injury
The veteran has bounced around the league since entering as a fourth-round pick. He started with the Saints in 2019. Stops followed with the Eagles twice, the Lions, the Texans and the Bears.
Buffalo brought him in to bolster a secondary that needed more physicality. Early practices showed he could deliver exactly that. After he left the field, Geno Stone stepped in with the starters next to Cole Bishop. Rookie Jalon Kilgore also sits in the mix at safety. Any extended absence could open a real opportunity for the younger players.
The timing stings for a defense still finding its rhythm. The Bills have emphasized competition and depth throughout camp.
What CJ Gardner-Johnson’s Injury Means for Buffalo
Early returns from camp had been positive for CJ Gardner-Johnson. He brought the energy and instincts the coaching staff wanted.
A serious lower leg issue would create a clear hole at strong safety. The unit relies on versatile pieces who can disguise coverages and support the run.
Teammates and coaches offered some encouraging signs. One report noted he could walk after the initial evaluation. Further testing will determine the full extent.
The Bills continue to evaluate options across the secondary. Depth remains a focus after recent roster moves. Fans will watch closely for updates in the coming days. Training camp injuries often create ripple effects on the depth chart.
The team added this player specifically for his experience and toughness. Losing him even briefly would test the next man up. Buffalo’s defense has shown flashes so far. Maintaining health will prove critical as practices intensify.
More information should emerge after further medical evaluation. For now, the secondary must adjust without one of its key veterans.
