Detroit Lions Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson Injures Knee: Reports

ALLEN PARK, MI — A key free agent signing to help revamp the Detroit Lions secondary went down Monday morning with what appeared to be a significant knee injury, according to multiple reports.

Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, whom the Lions signed to a one-year, $8 million deal, injured his right leg during training camp Monday morning and was carted off the field in distress, according to reports.

X-rays showed no structural damage to Gardner-Johnson's knee, and he is considered day-to-day, according to an ESPN report.

Gardner-Johnson tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions in 12 games last season for the Philadelphia Eagles, who eventually ended up playing in the Super Bowl.

Rookie safety Brian Branch will likely be called to step in for Gardner-Johnson. The Lions selected Branch with their second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, making him one of the highest selected defensive backs in the draft.

The Lions also have safety depth with Kerby Joseph, Ifeatu Melifonwu and Tracy Walker, who is returning from an Achilles tear he suffered in September last season.