by: Daniel Hager 31 minutes ago DanielHagerOn3
Houston Texans defensive back CJ Gardner-Johnson was carted off the field after suffering an apparent knee injury on Thursday, per multiple reports. Gardner-Johnson went down after defending a John Metchie reception on the second drive for the offense and appeared to be in serious pain.
Per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston , Gardner-Johnson could not put weight on his right leg and went to the back with trainers. He will now receive an MRI before further action is taken.
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 7, 2025
Gardner-Johnson was traded to the Houston Texans in the offseason after winning Super Bowl LIX as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles last season. In six NFL seasons, Gardner-Johnson boasts 304 tackles, four sacks, 51 pass deflections and 18 interceptions.
Coming out of Cocoa High (Cocoa, FL), Gardner-Johnson (then known as just Gardner Jr.) was a four-star prospect (No. 56 ranked player in Class of 2016). He committed to Florida and played three seasons under head coaches Jim McElwain and Dan Mullen, where he recorded 161 tackles, 16 TFL, four sacks and nine interceptions.
Following his stellar junior season, the defensive back declared for the 2019 NFL Draft. He was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the No. 105 pick, beginning his professional football journey. He quickly established himself as a quality DB, as he recorded 49 tackles, six TFL and one interception (earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors).