C.J. Gardner-Johnson Injury History: From the Saints to the Bills

C.J. Gardner-Johnson, nicknamed "Ceedy Duce," is known for ball-hawking, versatility and a talkative style on the field. Over his NFL career with the Saints, Eagles, Lions, Texans, Bears and Bills, he has dealt with several significant injuries, from a lacerated kidney to a torn pectoral muscle. Here is the latest update and a full timeline.

Latest update: calf strain with the Bills (2026)

Gardner-Johnson signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills in March 2026. On August 1, 2026, during training camp, he went down on a noncontact play and was helped off the field. Tests showed a strain in his lower right calf, easing fears of a more serious Achilles injury. He returned to practice within about a week, wearing a protective sleeve on his calf, and the Bills said they were fortunate the injury was not worse.

For his current weekly status, check the Bills' official injury report, which teams publish during each game week.

Injury timeline

Year	Team	Injury	Impact
2022	Philadelphia Eagles	Lacerated kidney	Missed five games, still tied for the NFL lead with 6 interceptions
2023	Detroit Lions	Torn pectoral muscle	Missed most of the season, returned late in the year
2025	Houston Texans	Knee injury in training camp	Feared serious, but the ACL was intact
2026	Buffalo Bills	Lower right calf strain	Returned to practice about a week later

The lacerated kidney (2022)

In his first season with the Eagles, Gardner-Johnson was having a breakout year when he suffered a lacerated kidney in November 2022. The injury is rare in football and requires careful recovery because of the risk of internal bleeding. He missed five games but returned for the playoff run and helped the Eagles reach Super Bowl LVII, where they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. He finished the season tied for the league lead in interceptions despite the missed time.

The torn pectoral (2023)

Gardner-Johnson signed with the Detroit Lions in 2023, but early in the season he tore a pectoral muscle. The injury usually ends a season, but he worked his way back and returned for the end of the year as the Lions made a deep playoff run.

Back to Philadelphia and a Super Bowl title

He returned to the Eagles in 2024 and played a key role in one of the league's best defenses. Philadelphia won Super Bowl LIX in February 2025, beating the Chiefs, giving Gardner-Johnson his first championship.

Houston, Chicago and Buffalo

The Eagles traded him to the Houston Texans in 2025. During training camp he injured his knee, and early fears of a season-ending injury eased after tests showed his ACL was intact. Houston released him a few weeks into the season. After a brief stay with the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad, he signed with the Chicago Bears in late October 2025 and played the rest of the season, including the playoffs. In March 2026 he joined the Bills on a one-year deal.

Career overview

Position	Safety / nickel cornerback
College	Florida
Drafted	2019, fourth round, New Orleans Saints
Teams	Saints, Eagles, Lions, Eagles, Texans, Bears, Bills
Super Bowls	LVII (lost), LIX (won) with Philadelphia

Why his availability matters

Gardner-Johnson can play deep safety, in the box and in the slot, which makes him valuable for defensive coordinators who like to disguise coverages. His instincts for interceptions and his energy make him a difference-maker when healthy. That versatility is why teams keep signing him despite his injury history.

Understanding common football injuries

• Calf strains – common in fast, cutting players; mild strains heal in days or weeks, but teams watch for Achilles involvement.
• Pectoral tears – often happen when tackling or blocking with an outstretched arm; usually need surgery.
• Kidney lacerations – caused by direct hits to the back or side; treated carefully to avoid internal bleeding.

For more on how injuries change careers, read famous athlete injuries.