Before veteran defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson returns to the field and participates in a game, Detroit Lions fans will have to wait at least one more week.
For the first time in more than three months, he returned to practice this week, but head coach Dan Campbell stated it’s unlikely he will suit up against the Vikings on Sunday in Minneapolis.
After a week of practice, Campbell stated, “Yeah, he’s looked good.” “Clearly looks new, and it moves around very well. Therefore, all that’s really needed to get him is a few more practices to ensure that he’s comfortable, ready to go, and that we don’t simply toss him into the deep end. Although I don’t think he’ll go this week, he’s good,
According to Friday’s injury report, Gardner-Johnson was ruled out, which is definitely consistent with how Campbell has handled players who have recovered from injuries this season. Never push a player back before they are fully recovered from a medical perspective, or in this case, to give Gardner-Johnson a chance to regain his footing in football after such an extended absence.
To give the Lions more time with Gardner-Johnson, players have up to three weeks of practice before being placed back on injured reserve or promoted off injured reserve to the 53-man roster. Should practice proceed smoothly the following week, we might see him in Dallas on Saturday.
Josh Paschal, a second-year defensive lineman, had a great performance last week in the victory over Denver, recording two tackles for loss in addition to a sack. The previous two weeks have seen Paschal and seasoned player John Cominsky deliver the increased output up front that the Lions have been hoping for from players other than Aidan Hutchinson.
Defensive line coach John Scott Jr. stated on Friday, “I’ve been really excited – if you look back at the last couple of games when (Paschal) has been in there you see him improving and making more plays and splash plays.” “One of the best things you can have is availability and now that he’s healthy and playing you’re seeing what he’s capable of.”
Due to injury, Paschal missed seven games and the all of training camp in 2017. Due to a knee injury he sustained early in the season, he was forced to miss an additional five games; however, since Week 7, he has played in eight straight. The impact the former second-round pick can have when healthy and available was demonstrated last week.
