Texans’ CJ Gardner-Johnson’s ACL reportedly intact following injury scare in latest NFL news

Houston Texans safety CJ Gardner-Johnson appeared to have suffered a significant injury during Thursday’s practice in West Virginia, but the latest update suggests that he has avoided the worst-case scenario.

While Gardner-Johnson’s ACL is intact, further testing is being conducted to assess the full extent of the injury, as per a report from ESPN.

The team seems optimistic about Gardner-Johnson’s ACL.

Gardner-Johnson sustained the injury while attempting to tackle wide receiver John Metchie in practice. Following the collision, Gardner-Johnson fell to the ground in pain.

He was unable to put weight on his right leg and had to be assisted by medical staff to a cart.

Head coach DeMeco Ryans expressed concern over the injury, stating, “It’s heartbreaking when you see a guy go down on the field like that and doesn’t get up quickly.”

Houston Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (23) arrives for practice at the team’s NFL football training camp, Friday, July 25, 2025, Houston. (AP Photo/Maria Lysaker)

There is no update on Gardner-Johnson’s condition at this time.

Gardner-Johnson was set to start his first season with the Texans after being acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in a trade for left guard Kenyon Green. He was expected to fill the role of starting free safety following Eric Murray’s departure to the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson, #8 of the Philadelphia Eagles, warms up prior to Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans, LA. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

Gardner-Johnson had an impressive season with the Super Bowl-winning Eagles last year, recording six interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, along with 59 combined tackles and one forced fumble in 16 regular-season games.

He also contributed 14 tackles in the team’s four playoff games.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.