CJ Gardner-Johnson Carted Off Texans Practice Field: MRI to Determine Severity of Leg Injury

By Jason Bolton August 10, 2025 19:02

CJ Gardner-Johnson was carted off the Houston Texans’ practice field on August 7, 2025, after suffering a painful right leg injury that immediately raised concerns about the severity and potential impact on his season. The injury occurred during a heated training camp session in West Virginia when Gardner-Johnson attempted to tackle wide receiver John Metchie III. Upon contact, the Texans safety collapsed to the ground and was clearly in distress, unable to bear weight on his right leg. Medical staff rushed onto the field, and he was subsequently placed on a cart and taken off for further evaluation.

Initial fears centered on a possible torn ACL, a serious season-ending injury. However, early reports have brought some relief to Texans fans and the organization: Gardner-Johnson's ACL is reportedly intact, though the team is conducting additional tests, including an MRI, to ascertain the full extent of the injury. This positive update has tempered the worst-case scenario, but the precise timeline for his return remains uncertain pending detailed diagnostics.

At 27 years old, Gardner-Johnson entered the 2025 season as a key acquisition for Houston after being traded from the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles, where he played a pivotal role in their strong defense. Last season with Philadelphia, he showcased his elite ball-hawking ability with six interceptions including a highlight 69-yard pick-six and accumulated 59 tackles and a forced fumble in 16 regular-season games. His versatility and playmaking instincts had made him the frontrunner to start at free safety for the Texans, who lost Eric Murray in free agency.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans expressed his immediate concern following the injury, calling it a heartbreaking moment to see a player go down so painfully during practice. “It’s tough to watch,” Ryans said. “We’ll evaluate CJ and see where he is, but there’s no update at this time.” The emotional weight of the situation was palpable, with teammates visibly shaken on the field as Gardner-Johnson was helped off.

The injury is a significant blow to a Texans squad hoping to build defensive stability. With Gardner-Johnson sidelined, safeties M.J. Stewart and Russ Yeast are poised to take on larger roles in the secondary while the team awaits more clarity on CJ’s recovery timeline.

While the Texans breathe a cautious sigh of relief that the injury is not believed to be an ACL tear, the knee injury still poses a challenge in a physically demanding position for the safety. The upcoming MRI will be crucial in determining whether Gardner-Johnson faces a brief recovery period or an extended absence. His presence as a physical, intelligent, and disruptive defender will be sorely missed on a defense eager to improve in the fiercely competitive AFC South.

Gardner-Johnson’s injury underscores the physical toll of the NFL preseason and the risks players face as teams ramp up preparation for the regular season. The Texans will face a critical early-season stretch beginning September 7 against the Los Angeles Chargers, where defensive continuity will be essential.