Former Saints Defensive Back Goes Down With Apparent Leg Injury

C.J. Gardner-Johnson was reportedly carted off the field during a Detroit Lions practice on Monday morning.

Looking for a fresh start with the Detroit Lions, former New Orleans Saints slot defender C.J. Gardner-Johnson reportedly went down with an apparent right leg injury. Per Lions senior writer and insider Tim Twentyman, the 2019 draft selection was carted off the field and was "visibly upset" while being consoled by teammates.

Jul 29, 2022; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson (22) during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Gardner-Johnson's departure from New Orleans last offseason was met with surprise and concern by Saints fans. After being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, he finished 2022 tied with the league lead in interceptions with 6. That was despite missing several games due to a lacerated kidney.

He and the Eagles contended for a Super Bowl last season, but despite those achievements, he was not brought back on a second deal with team. As he waited to find his next landing spot in free agency, he finally found one in the Lions who have several former Saints staffers among their coaching ranks. Most notably former New Orleans defensive backs coach Aaron Glenn became the Lions' defensive coordinator in 2021.

According to additional reports, Gardner-Johnson is expected to undergo further testing soon to determine the severity of the injury. Certainly everyone in Detroit is hoping for good news when it comes to their new defensive weapon, and many in Philadelphia and the Big East will be rooting for the same.