Gardner, C.J.Notwithstanding his “good” appearance upon returning to practice following a ruptured pectoral muscle, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell stated that the seasoned safety will likely need at least another week to play in games.
Campbell stated, “We don’t just throw him out there to the wolves.” “So I mean, I don’t necessarily see him going this week.”
The Lions declared Gardner-Johnson ineligible for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. Gardner-Johnson has not played since rupturing his pec in a Week 2 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks.
Gardner-Johnson was given a six-month rehabilitation period by the doctors at first, but on Wednesday, he made his comeback to practise, little over three months after the surgery.
Gardner-Johnson will be placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season, or the Lions have three weeks to add him back to the 53-man roster.
JEFF SEIDEL: Frank Ragnow is the focal point of the Lions’ culture, along with that outstanding offensive line.
“He appears well,” Campbell remarked. “He looks fresh, obviously, and moving around pretty good, so it’s really just about we just need to get him some more practices just to make sure he’s ready to go, he’s comfortable.”
The imminent free agent Gardner-Johnson acknowledged this week that he was concerned about being hurt again but also stated his eagerness to return to the field and support the Lions in the postseason.
With a victory on Sunday, the Lions (10-4) may secure a share of their first division championship in thirty years. They play games at home against the Vikings (7–7) and against the Dallas Cowboys to wrap up the regular season.
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“I pray every night about this situation cause it can happen again, so I don’t wish injury on nobody, bro, and I ain’t never had a serious, serious injury but God willing I’m glad it wasn’t too much to take me down,” Gardner-Johnson stated. It’s one of those occasions where, as I mentioned, you learn something. As I reminded myself, this team is darn fantastic both with and without me, and I’m just happy to be a part of something that’s simply blooming, so you have to realise who you are and humble yourself.”
Gardner-Johnson stated it won’t be a problem when asked this week how long he would need to get back into football shape.
He declared, “I’m always in shape.” I’ve been a football player all year. It feels like I haven’t sat down since February because I was at the Super Bowl. I’ll be alright.
More wounds
Following their third consecutive day without practicing, the Lions declared tight end Brock Wright (hip) and cornerback Jerry Jacobs (hamstring) out for Sunday. Due to a shoulder issue, linebacker Derrick Barnes is uncertain, although Frank Ragnow (toe/knee) participated fully in practice on Friday.
Campbell stated that the group is still hopeful that defensive tackle Alim McNeill will return to action this year. Since suffering a knee injury during the Lions’ Week 13 victory over the New Orleans Saints, McNeill has been placed on injured reserve. He can make a comeback before the Vikings game on January 7, which is the season finale.
