Detroit Lions' C.J. Gardner-Johnson feared to have suffered torn pec, could miss season
The Detroit Lions' early-season injury woes continue to mount, and their latest loss might be their biggest yet.
NFL Network reported Monday that Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is feared to have suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Sunday's 37-31 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Gardner-Johnson, who signed a one-year free agent deal with the Lions in March, could miss the remainder of the season.
Gardner-Johnson left Sunday's game briefly on the opening drive and received some medical attention for his arm, but returned after missing two snaps and played the remainder of the game.
He tied for the team lead with eight tackles.
One of the Lions' biggest free agent additions of the offseason, Gardner-Johnson quickly took over as the vocal and emotional leader of the Lions defense. He played every snap and had five tackles and two pass breakups in a season-opening win over the Kansas City Chiefs, and after the game encouraged fans to wear blue ski masks to the Lions' home opener against Seattle.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU: Fueled by doubt and hate, C.J. Gardner-Johnson ready to 'bring a championship to Detroit'
"(He's) very energetic. Knows what he’s doing. Does not stand for someone playing at a level to where it’s not winning. I mean that really stands out with this player," Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn told the Free Press before the season.
The Lions lost a slew of key contributors to injuries Sunday.
Outside linebacker James Houston fractured his fibula covering a kickoff and will go on injured reserve this week. Right guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai injured his left knee in Sunday's second half and is expected to miss multiple games. And running back David Montgomery suffered a thigh bruise and told the Free Press the injury could take "a couple weeks" to heal.
Lions coach Dan Campbell, who did not mention Gardner-Johnson in his update of injured players early Monday, said Montgomery is day-to-day.
The Lions also played last week's game without left tackle Taylor Decker due to a sprained ankle, and had receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (toe, cramps), safety Kerby Joseph (hip), defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (undisclosed) and receiver Antoine Green (concussion) leave the game for various injuries.
Joseph was injured on the game's opening series, but like Gardner-Johnson returned to finish the game.
Tracy Walker is next in line to replace Gardner-Johnson at safety, with rookie Brian Branch staying at slot cornerback.
The Lions (1-1) host the Atlanta Falcons (2-0) at Ford Field this week.
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions' C.J. Gardner-Johnson feared to have suffered torn pec
