During the Houston Texans’ final training camp practice in West Virginia, silence engulfed the field when a key defensive player seemed to suffer a serious injury. The scrimmage at Green Briar Resort was proceeding normally until defensive back CJ Gardner-Johnson collapsed while working with teammate John Meckie III.
Gardner-Johnson appeared to be in significant discomfort and had trouble moving his right leg. Immediately, the Texans’ coach and teammates surrounded him, while medical staff provided assistance.
Gardner-Johnson had recently celebrated his first Super Bowl title last season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Just a month after the Eagles secured their second Vince Lombardi Trophy, he was traded to Houston. In exchange, the Eagles received offensive lineman Kenyon Green, along with some draft pick swaps.
His move to Houston was seen as crucial, especially with Jimmie Ward—a primary safety—currently dealing with foot issues that have kept him from training. As of Thursday, there hadn’t been any updates regarding disciplinary action for Ward from the NFL.
If Gardner-Johnson ends up missing games due to this injury, the Texans have options in Safeties MJ Stewart or Russ Yeast. Despite these injuries, the Texans’ secondary does include Derek Stingley Jr., who was recognized as All-Pro following an impressive 2024 season, with Kamari Lassiter as the other starting cornerback.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Texans for further information on Gardner-Johnson’s condition.
