Campbell: 'Hard to Say' if Gardner-Johnson Will Return

C.J. Gardner-Johnson visited practice facility this week.

After C.J. Gardner-Johnson returned to the Detroit Lions' practice facility Friday, Dan Campbell provided an update on the injured player's status. 

Gardner-Johnson, who was placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn pec in Week 2, has been targeting a late season return. Campbell wouldn't commit to when, or if, the defensive back could get back in action. 

"It's hard to say. I know this, it's good having him back. You forget about just kinda what he brings, his energy, until you see him back out there," Campbell explained. "It was good to just have him around. He is, he's all energy man. I know rehab's going, he's doing good, so it's good to see him." 

The veteran safety, who announced he's changing his name to Ceedy Duce, was present for the Lions' Friday practice, supporting his teammates and making his presence felt.

"He's been back and forth," Campbell stated. "We know where he's at and he's rehabbing and then he comes back periodically. So he'll be here for a little bit and then he'll go back out. So it's good."

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Detroit signed Gardner-Johnson to a one-year deal last offseason, meaning the team will have to decide whether to re-sign him following the season. The veteran has been vocal about returning late in the season. 

In his absence, the Lions have leaned on Tracy Walker III and Kerby Joseph to anchor the secondary at the safety position. Brian Branch, a second-round pick out of Alabama, returned to action Sunday after missing the previous two games with an injury. 

Joseph led the team in tackles Sunday against the Ravens. He has enjoyed a productive start to the season and is forcing opponents to throw away from his direction. 

“There were some tackles that he made that saved us, that gave us another chance to play," said Aaron Glenn. "And that’s our mindset, for the most part. Get the ball down and get us another chance to play and he did a good job of that.”