Buffalo Bills starting safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was carted off the field during practice on Saturday afternoon.
Gardner-Johnson sustained what appeared to be a lower right leg or foot injury during an 11-on-11 period. He was tended to by athletic trainers and, after testing his ability to bear weight, was eventually supported off the field. Teammates, including left tackle Dion Dawkins, expressed concern and checked on the player.
The 28-year-old defensive back spent approximately 10 minutes in the medical tent, where Bills general manager and president of football operations Brandon Beane also checked on him. Gardner-Johnson later walked under his own power to a cart, which took him to the locker room.
The team had not provided an update on his status following practice, but his ability to walk offered a positive sign. "He could put weight on his legs, so he can walk," Dawkins said. "So, we all know that injury is 100 percent in this league, but he’s all right. And I got the message from coaches that he’s all right and they’re going to do their protocol. He’ll get…whatever he has to get and he’ll be right back in the loop."
Despite being a recent addition to the Bills in the offseason, Gardner-Johnson has reportedly emerged as a vocal leader on defense. He is projected to start at strong safety alongside Cole Bishop.
Veterans Damar Hamlin and Geno Stone took over first-team reps after Gardner-Johnson left the field. "I just said a quick prayer and I think he’ll be all right," Hamlin stated. "If we know the type of guy and type of player C.J. is, he’ll find a way. He’ll be OK, hopefully. God willing."
A fourth-round pick in 2019, Gardner-Johnson has previously played for the New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles (twice), Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, and Chicago Bears.