The Texans are preparing for the Vikings after CJ Gardner-Johnson News Originally appeared on Sports Athlon.
While Houston’s Texans were to face the Vikings of Minnesota during their first match action of the season on Saturday, they will probably be without one of their best defenders.
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According to Aaron Wilson from Kprc2CJ Gardner-Johnson security underwent a knee injury in training Thursday while covering the wide receiver John Metchie III during an exercise. We thought that the old standout of the Philadelphia Eagles would have torn his LCA. However, Reports that followed suggested that his LCA is intact, and the Texans carry out additional tests to determine the extent of his injury.
“It’s heartbreaking when you see a guy going on a field like that and does not get up quickly”, chief coach of the Texans Demeco Ryans said After. “I am always nervous as a chief coach every time I see someone hitting the ground, it’s difficult to look at.”
Philadelphia Eagles Safety Cj Gardner-Johnson famous after defeating the Chiefs of Kansas City at the Super Bowl Lix Mark J & Period; Rebilas-Imagn images
After winning a super bowl with the Eagles last season, Gardner-Johnson, 27, was exchanged in the Texans in March for goalkeeper Kenyon Green and an exchange of three days in the draft of the NFL. He was brought to replace Eric Murray, who signed this off -season with Jacksonville Jacksonville.
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In 16 games with the Eagles in 2024, Gardner-Johnson recorded 35 combined plated and six interceptions. Since the start of the 2022 season, he has taken up 13 assists that lead all the NFL players.
Although it is not clear how long Gardner-Johnson should miss, the Texans have a lot of options to replace it.
Behind Gardner-Johnson on the unofficial depth painting of the Texans published on Tuesday is the veteran MJ Stewart, who would have spent time with the first defense of the team after the injury of Gardner-Johnson. They could also turn to the former leaving Patriots from New England Myles Bryant, who signed an agreement for one year with the Texans this offseason.
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“Myles, he presents himself every day,” said Ryans. “Myles, he does a lot for us. He is a guy from the public service. He can play outside at the corner, nickel, security, moves in many positions.”
Jalen Pitre, who is interrupted to start in Nickel, could also fulfill the role of Gardner-Johnson. He saw the action in the security position in this defense. The recruit Jaylen Reed, who is listed as the safeguarding of Calen Bullock despite the features of an ankle injury, could also fill up when he is in good health.
The Texans will probably experiment with a number of options on Saturday afternoon against the Vikings. The playing time is set at 3 p.m. CT.
Related: Texans publish an unofficial depth painting before the opening of the pre-season against the Vikings
This story was initially reported by Sports Athlon On August 8, 2025, where he appeared for the first time.
