The Houston Texans are holding their breath, hoping for news surrounding C.J. Gardner-Johnson to be timid at best.

During a scrimmage at The Greenbrier in West Virginia, Gardner-Johnson went to tackle wide receiver John Metchie III. After making contact, Gardner-Johnson fell to the ground, writhing in pain and unable to put any pressure on his right leg.

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The medical staff eventually helped the defensive back get on the cart, where he was taken back for MRIs. Entering their preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said the team did not have an update on his long-term status.

“It’s heartbreaking when you see a guy go down on the field like that and doesn’t get up quicker,” Texans coach Ryans said after practice. “I’m always nervous as a head coach anytime I see anybody hit the ground. It’s tough to watch. So we’ll see, we’ll evaluate C.J. and see where he is, but no update at this time.”

Acquired in a deal from the defending Super Bowl Champions this offseason in exchange for Keynon Green and a 2026 fifth-round pick, Gardner-Johnson was supposed to replace their 2024 starting safety Eric Murray, who joined the Jacksonville Jaguars on a three-year, $22.5 million deal this offseason. Last year as a focal point on the Eagles’ secondary, he totaled 59 combined tackles, 12 passes defended and six interceptions en route to securing a second Lombardi Trophy in the last 10 seasons.

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The loss of Gardner-Johnson could be detrimental to an elite secondary that was looking for a long-term upgrade at safety to pair with All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., cornerback Kamari Lassiter, safety Calen Bullock and nickel Jalen Pitre. Last season, the Texans posted the second-most interceptions in the NFL with 19, so adding Gardner-Johnson’s 18 career interceptions was supposed to fit well.

Now, the Texans wait to see who could be next in line to start with Jimmie Ward still on the PUP list. Rookie Jaylen Reed was making progress, but he’s missed the past several practices after leaving last Friday with a lower-body injury at training camp in Houston.

For now, the Texans will turn to M.J. Stewart and Russ Yeast as options for Saturday’s contest at U.S. Bank Stadium.

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This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson carted off with apparent leg injury