Houston, Gardner-Johnson Have Similar Return Timelines

Both players may return in regular season.

The Detroit Lions have been without both C.J. Gardner-Johnson and James Houston since a Week 2 loss against the Seattle Seahawks. 

Gardner-Johnson suffered a torn pec, while Houston was diagnosed with a fractured ankle. Both players have been on injured reserve since. 

Initially, Houston's injury was reported by NFL media with a six-to-eight week recovery timeline. However, it has cost the Jackson State product nearly the entire season to this point. 

In recent weeks, both have been vocal about their desire to return and help the Lions in a playoff push. However, Lions coach Dan Campbell didn't share the same ambitious optimism about their current statuses. 

In fact, both players could be on quite similar timelines to return to action. 

Houston told reporters last week he hoped to return before the end of the regular season. However, Campbell stated Monday that more time is likely necessary before the second-year defender can come back to help the team. 

"No, no. I think it'll be a while before that," Campbell explained. "Look, I do think there's a chance, but I think it's -- we're looking at late December, January possibly." 

Gardner-Johnson has been actively promoting his potential return on social media, despite a torn pec typically signifying the end of a player's season. 

Campbell wouldn't rule out the veteran safety potentially re-joining the defense, and stated that he is on a similar return timeline to Houston. 

"Yeah, I think there's a chance, 'Lazarus' has a chance. I think he does. Both of those guys have improved, but C.J. has kicked it into overdrive. He's healed quick, and is healing quick. And, most of it's gonna be about, just, is he, is his body ready for that?" Campbell explained. "Will he be able to do it without reinjuring. Is it stable enough? Strong enough? I know this, he's taken off, but we'll see. Probably same timeline. If there is a chance, it'd be late December, early January probably." 

Notes

1.) Campbell confirmed that EDGE rusher Bruce Irvin was not elevated for Sunday's game due to an ankle injury.