What happened to C.J. Gardner-Johnson? Eagles safety out indefinitely with painful injury

Philadelphia Eagles defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered an injury during the first quarter of their victory against the Green Bay Packers. While the diagnosis was initially unclear, NFL insider Tom Pelissero of NFL Network recently reported that Gradner-Johnson has a lacerated kidney.

"C.J. Gardner-Johnson is out indefinitely after suffering a lacerated kidney."

Peliserro added that the timetable for his return is yet to be determined as the extent of this type of injury can vary significantly on a case-by-case basis. He noted that it's not expected to be season-ending, but this can't officially be ruled out until the injury is further diagnosed.

Dr. Jesse Morse, MD, a Sports Medicine Physician and co-owner of The Fantasy Doctors, also weighed in on the injury. Here's his expert opinion on the situation.

"3+ weeks is realistic."

The NFL playoffs are currently six weeks away. The 2022 season is entering Week 13 of the 18 total weeks of the regular season this year. The Eagles currently hold an impressive 9-2 overall record, making them extremely likely to make the postseason this year.

The Eagles are hoping Gardner-Johnson will fully recover in time to return to the field prior to the start of the playoffs. According to Tom Pelissero and Dr. Morse, it appears he has a good chance of doing so. This is encouraging news for the Eagles as he has been one of their best defensive players this season.

After spending the first three seasons of his career with the New Orleans Saints, C.J. Gardner-Johnson joined the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2022 offseason. He has made an immediate impact on their defensive unit and has been one of the best defensive backs in the NFL this year. He currently leads all NFL players with six interceptions following Week 12.

Who will replace C.J. Gardner-Johnson for the Eagles?

Philadelphia Eagles DB Reed Blankenship

When C.J. Gardner-Johnson was injured in the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers, he was replaced by Reed Blankenship. He is a rookie out of Middle Tennessee State. He went undrafted during the 2022 NFL Draft, but was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent.

Blankenship is expected to fill in for C.J. Gardner-Johnson as he recovers from his injury. He got off to a good start in Week 12, recording an interception in the second quarter against Aaron Rodgers.

We will see if he can continue to impress over the coming weeks.