C.J. Gardner-Johnson might not play every snap for the Houston Texans’ secondary this week, but he is expected to return to the field.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters on Monday that Gardner-Johnson “should be ready for Week 1” when Houston travels to SoFi Stadium to take on the Los Angeles Rams. Houston could have all five of its projected starters back in the secondary ahead of a crucial game in the regular season.
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Gardner-Johnson, who was acquired this offseason from the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles, has been sidelined since Aug. 7 with a knee injury that he suffered during a Texans’ scrimmage at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia. Initially, the injury was thought to be more severe since Gardner-Johnson couldn’t move his lower right leg and then needed assistance to get on a medical cart.
After further testing, it became evident that Gardner-Johnson had not suffered any structural damage to the ACL and would need to reset. He has been sidelined for almost a month, but has been working out to get back to full speed.
Ryans said he’s expected to practice this week and be a starter on the road.
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The addition of Gardner-Johnson is huge for the status of an aready promising secondary that recorded the second-most interceptions last season (19), headlined by All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., cornerback Kamari Lassiter and nickel Jalen Pitre. Over his two seasons with the Eagles, Gardner-Johnson recorded 11 interceptions, including six in 2024.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on CBS.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans HC: DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson “should be ready to go” for Week 1