C.J. Gardner-Johnson Medically Cleared to Practice

C.J. Gardner-Johnson could practice next week.

Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson hinted on social media Wednesday that his return to action could be imminent. 

On Thursday, coach Dan Campbell ended the speculation by confirming that the defender has been medically cleared to return from a torn pec suffered in Week 2.

"I got the same report, which is good news," Campbell said Thursday. "It's great news. He is, so it's back to what we said. He's one of the "X-Men." He's got these mutant genes, because he has healed extremely quickly. It is, he has gotten the strength back, it is secure. So, yeah, he's gonna be ready to go here pretty soon." 

Gardner-Johnson remains on injured reserve, where he's been since suffering the injury against Seattle. Once he returns to practice, the team will have a 21-day window to bring him back to the active roster.

Gardner-Johnson won't play for the Lions against Denver Saturday. However, given the urgent nature of Detroit's playoff chase, the safety could return very soon. A return to practice next week, in preparation for the team's Week 16 matchup at Minnesota, is in the cards. 

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"I promise you he won't play this game. Yeah, Brad and I need to talk about it, but it's good news. And certainly, the plan will be, let's get him going ASAP," Campbell explained. "That would be the plan. Get him practicing, get his legs back under him, get him in shape, football shape. That's a credit to him, too. He's been working." 

The safety has actively been promoting his return on social media throughout his rehab process. However, the injury he suffered is traditionally one that sidelines players for the remainder of the season. 

Campbell praised the defender for how quickly he has healed from the setback. 

In two games for the Lions this season, Gardner-Johnson recorded 13 tackles and two pass breakups. His addition in the offseason brought another level of swagger and production to the secondary.

In his absence, the Lions have relied on Kerby Joseph, Tracy Walker III and Ifeatu Melifonwu.