Texans’ Gardner-Johnson Suffers Suspected Achilles Injury

Houston Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered a potentially season-ending right leg injury, feared to be a torn Achilles, during a training camp scrimmage at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia. The injury occurred while he attempted to tackle wide receiver John Metchie III, leaving Gardner-Johnson unable to bear weight on his leg and requiring him to be carted off the field. Gardner-Johnson, who was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles after a standout season with six interceptions, was expected to provide veteran leadership for the Texans’ secondary. His absence further weakens a defense already missing fellow safety Jimmie Ward due to a foot injury and potential legal issues. The Texans now must rely on players like Russ Yeast, M.J. Stewart, and Jalen Pitre to fill the void in the secondary. This development is a major blow to Houston's defense, which ranked among the league's best in interceptions last year.