Injury Forces Texans' C.J. Gardner-Johnson off Field with Leg Issue
Houston Texans Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson Suffers Serious Right Leg Injury During Practice
In a concerning turn of events, Houston Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered a serious right leg injury during a practice session on August 7, 2025. The incident occurred while he was attempting to tackle wide receiver John Metchie III.
Initially, Gardner-Johnson was carted off the field, displaying clear signs of discomfort and being unable to put weight on his right leg. An MRI was conducted to determine the full extent of the injury, and it was confirmed that his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is intact, alleviating concerns of a common severe knee injury[1][3].
Despite the initial alarm, the prognosis for Gardner-Johnson is more positive than initially feared. As of August 15, 2025, Texans head coach Demeco Ryans confirmed that Gardner-Johnson's injury will not end his 2025 season, and he is expected to return to play during the year[4].
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, aged 27, is in his first season with the Texans, having been traded by the Philadelphia Eagles. Prior to joining the Texans, he played for the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions. In 74 career games (61 starts), Gardner-Johnson has 18 interceptions, 304 tackles, four sacks, and 51 passes defensed[2].
Last season, Gardner-Johnson won Super Bowl LIX with the Philadelphia Eagles. In 16 games (all starts), he made six interceptions, returned one for a touchdown, defended 12 passes, forced a fumble, and had 59 tackles[2].
The Texans' first regular season game is against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 7 in Inglewood, Calif. The team will be hoping for a speedy recovery for Gardner-Johnson as they prepare for the upcoming season.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered a serious right leg injury during practice with the Houston Texans, but fortunately, MRI results showed that his ACL is intact. Although Gardner-Johnson will miss some time, head coach Demeco Ryans confirmed that he will not end his 2025 season, and he is expected to return to play during the year.
Last season, Gardner-Johnson won the Super Bowl LIX with the Philadelphia Eagles, contributing with six interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, and 59 tackles in 16 games. As the Texans prepare for their first regular season game against the Los Angeles Rams, they will undoubtedly hope for a speedy recovery for their veteran player, which is crucial for their success in American football, a sport that will offer an exciting NFL season filled with game-winning moments and touchdowns.
