Gardner-Johnson Returns to Practice, Jacobs Out

C.J. Gardner-Johnson returned to practice Wednesday.

The Detroit Lions returned to the practice field Wednesday to prepare for their Week 16 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. 

Among those not participating during the portion of practice open to the media included Jerry Jacobs. 

Meanwhile, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson returned to practice for the first time since suffering a torn pectoral muscle in Week 2 against Seattle. 

The veteran safety begins a 21-day window before the Lions will have to make a decision on whether or not to activate him. Coincidentally, Wednesday was Gardner-Johnson's 26th birthday. 

A third-year cornerback out of Arkansas State, Jacobs has been a key part of Detroit's defense this season. The former undrafted free agent has started 12 games and played in 13.

Last week marked the first time this season he did not start at cornerback, as Khalil Dorsey took over at the position opposite Cam Sutton. Dorsey and Kindle Vildor split reps in the win over Denver. 

Ceedy Duce is back at Lions practice!
Video from Inside Allen Park #NFL #OnePride pic.twitter.com/BDRyq3nvbV

— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) December 20, 2023

Jacobs played on special teams before suffering a hamstring injury and being ruled out. 

With the injury to Jacobs, the Lions hosted cornerbacks Thomas Graham and Jace Whittaker for visits Tuesday. 

The talented defensive back leads the team in interceptions with three but has also struggled in coverage at points this season. 

On the season, he has allowed 47 completions on 71 targets for 602 yards and seven touchdowns, per Pro Football Focus. 

The decision to move Jacobs out of the starting lineup is part of some shuffling being done by Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Ifeatu Melifonwu has started the last two games at safety while Dorsey and Vildor have gotten increased reps at cornerback. 

"We felt like it made us better. Give them a chance to go and now we get Jerry back on teams as well," Campbell said following the game. "Jerry’s a good special teams player, now, as a gunner and a jammer. So we just, we keep working through it. Give these guys an opportunity and let them compete. We were good today, those guys played good on the back end.” 

The Lions have heavy implications on Sunday's game, as a win would clinch the organization's first division title since 1993.