CJ Gardner-Johnson injury update: Texans safety carted off field in 'somber moment', per report

Houston Texans defensive back CJ Gardner-Johnson was carted off the field after suffering an apparent knee injury on Thursday, per multiple reports. Gardner-Johnson went down after defending a John Metchie reception on the second drive for the offense and appeared to be in serious pain.

Per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, Gardner-Johnson could not put weight on his right leg and went to the back with trainers. He will now receive an MRI before further action is taken.

#Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is down and it looks serious. Appears to be his knee. Field is silent. Players are all taking a knee @KPRC2

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 7, 2025

Gardner-Johnson was traded to the Houston Texans in the offseason after winning Super Bowl LIX as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles last season. In six NFL seasons, Gardner-Johnson boasts 304 tackles, four sacks, 51 pass deflections and 18 interceptions.

Coming out of Cocoa High (Cocoa, FL), Gardner-Johnson (then known as just Gardner Jr.) was a four-star prospect (No. 56 ranked player in Class of 2016). He committed to Florida and played three seasons under head coaches Jim McElwain and Dan Mullen, where he recorded 161 tackles, 16 TFL, four sacks and nine interceptions.

Following his stellar junior season, the defensive back declared for the 2019 NFL Draft. He was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the No. 105 pick, beginning his professional football journey. He quickly established himself as a quality DB, as he recorded 49 tackles, six TFL and one interception (earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors).

Gardner-Johnson is heading into seventh NFL season with fifth team

After spending three seasons with the Saints, Gardner-Johnson was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. His 2022 campaign with Philadelphia would go down as the best of his career, as he led the NFL with six interceptions. This led him to signing a one year, $6.50 million contract with the Detroit Lions the preceding offseason.

Gardner-Johnson played in just three games with Detroit, leading to him heading back to Philadelphia prior to the 2024 season. He recorded three tackles in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX drumming of the Chiefs but was traded to the Texans following the season.

The defensive back suffered what was believed to be a serious leg injury prior to the 2023 season, but he avoided serious injury. NFL fans (and certainly fans of the Houston Texans) are hoping that the same takes place this season, with Gardner-Johnson being healthy enough to suit up this season.

The Texans open the 2025 regular season on the road against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 7. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:25 PM on CBS.