Training camp is always one of the highly anticipated events during the NFL calendar, as it means we are one step closer to the start of the regular season. Fans and players alike are excited for the new season and the journey towards winning a Lombardi Trophy.
At the same time, training camp has its drawbacks, as we see countless players go down with injuries. Some of those injuries are not serious, while others become season-ending injuries.
The Philadelphia Eagles, thankfully, haven’t had too many injuries to worry about in training camp thus far. However, one former Eagles star defender, who played a huge role in helping Philadelphia win the Super Bowl last season, has suffered a potentially serious injury at camp with his new team.
Former Eagle C.J. Gardner-Johnson Exits Training Camp Practice
On Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KRPC-2 reported that the former Eagles ballhawk safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson went down with an apparent knee injury. Gardner-Johnson was shockingly traded to the Houston Texans earlier this offseason after returning to the Eagles before the 2024 season.
#Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnsom 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
According to ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime, the ex-Eagles defender couldn’t put pressure on his injured leg as he hopped onto a cart.
CJ Gardner Johnson can’t put much pressure on his injured leg as he hopped onto the cart.
— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) August 7, 2025
We don’t know much more information yet about Gardner-Johnson, but it's never good to see a player leave training camp on a cart. Texans fans are hoping for the best possible news, as the veteran safety could take their defense to another level, like he did in Philadelphia last year.
After a tumultuous 2023 season without Gardner-Johnson, the Eagles brought him back in free agency last offseason. That decision paid off, as Gardner-Johnson helped solidify the back end of the secondary and gave Philadelphia the edge they were missing in 2023.
Last season, Gardner-Johnson showed off his playmaking skills, recording 59 combined tackles, 12 pass deflections, six interceptions (tied for a career-high), two tackles for loss, and a forced fumble.
Eagles fans weren’t too happy to see Gardner-Johnson go, as they know what type of player he is when engaged and locked in. However, the veteran safety ending up in Houston isn’t bad, as the Texans are on the rise and have the pieces to make a run.
That said, no one is thinking about the coming weeks right now, as we wait to hear what’s the latest with Gardner-Johnson and if he’ll have to miss any time.