Lions’ Dan Campbell in Awe of C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s Recovery: ‘He’s One of the X-Men’

Detroit is in need of defensive help with the playoffs looming.

The perennially forlorn Lions have had a 2023 to remember, posting nine wins in their first 13 games. Detroit is on the doorstep of its first playoff appearance since 2016, and its first division title since 1993 seems very much in play.

Amazingly, the Lions haven't missed a beat despite being without one of their banner offseason acquisitions for much of this year: defensive back C.J. Gardner Johnson. One of the NFL’s 2022 co-leaders in interceptions hasn’t played since tearing a pectoral during Detroit’s 37–31 overtime loss to the Seahawks on Sept. 17.

That, however, seems likely to change soon. On Thursday, Lions coach Dan Campbell told reporters Gardner-Johnson had been medically cleared to return.

"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. “So, yeah, he’s going to be ready to go here pretty soon.”

Gardner-Johnson’s return could give the Lions a big boost ahead of the team’s playoff push :: Junfu Han/USA TODAY Network

Detroit ranks 25th in the NFL in scoring defense and 15th in total defense, as opposed to seventh in scoring offense and third in total offense.

Campbell's update came a day after Gardner-Johnson hinted his return from the injured reserve was imminent on Instagram.

“[It's] great news,” Campbell said. “That’s a credit to him, too, now. He’s been working.”