Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered a lacerated kidney in Sunday night’s game against the Packers and would be sidelined indefinitely.
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Pelissero writes that the injury does not require surgery and that there is no timetable for the recovery of the NFL leader in interceptions. The Eagles have not decided whether to place Gardner-Johnson on injured reserve, but it is not anticipated that the injury would finish his season.
#Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is out indefinitely after suffering a lacerated kidney in Sunday night’s win over the #Packers, per sources.
It’s a non-surgical injury. Testing is ongoing, so timetable still TBD, but it is not expected to be season-ending.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 29, 2022
In the first quarter of Sunday’s 40–33 victory over Green Bay, Gardner-Johnson, 24, suffered a peculiar injury. The Eagle’s defensive back was bent over in pain after hitting Packers rookie receiver Christian Watson. He departed on a medical cart and never returned.
Reed Blankenship, an undrafted rookie, intercepted Aaron Rodgers in the second quarter of Philadelphia’s triumph after replacing Gardner-Johnson.
Eagles CJ Gardner-Johnson suffered a rib injury on this play and is questionable. Will have to pad or put on a flak jacket to protect the area if he can return but will need imaging to look for fracture. Likely wont return but there is a small chance. #Injury pic.twitter.com/68FDuqQrbf
— Sports Doc Matt (@sportsdocmatt) November 28, 2022
Since his August trade from the Saints to the Eagles, Gardner-Johnson has been one of the main playmakers for a Philadelphia defense that is first in the NFL with 23 interceptions. After transitioning from slot cornerback to safety, he now leads the league in interceptions with six.
Though he may be able to return later in the season, the Eagles will likely have to operate in the coming weeks with Gardner-Johnson. Philadelphia’s 10–1 record remains the best in the league heading into Sunday’s game versus Tennessee.
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