C.J. Gardner-Johnson won’t be on the field when the Detroit Lions host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. The starting defensive back is on injured reserve after tearing a pectoral muscle early in the Lions’ Week 2 loss to the Seahawks.
It’s a painful, debilitating injury for any player. For someone who has to reach out the arm and try to make tackles, it can be brutal.
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Gardner-Johnson managed to play through that. He only missed a handful of snaps after suffering the injury. That toughness and dedication is part of why the Lions believe he could return late in the season. Head coach Dan Campbell indicated there was a chance for “CJGJ” to be back late in the year.
Gardner-Johnson himself is counting on it. In a video posted to his Instagram, he vowed he will return. The video is not safe for work or sensitive listeners, but it’s a powerful look at what type of mentality Gardner-Johnson brings.
“I played a whole game, bro. With a torn arm,” Gardner-Johnson said. “I’m out there playing with one arm, they can’t stop this s—. Most people tap out. I ain’t tapped out yet.”