It wasn’t just another practice in Houston; it was a gut-punch moment that reminded everyone how fragile this game can be. Texans star safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson went down with a non-contact right leg injury during camp Thursday, and the reaction was immediate and emotional. Quarterback C.J. Stroud was among the first to drop to a knee. Moments later, the entire team, offense, defense, and coaches, circled around Gardner-Johnson in silence, many visibly shaken.
KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson reported: “#Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is down and it looks serious. Appears to be his knee. Field is silent. Players are all taking a knee @KPRC2”
The injury occurred as Gardner-Johnson attempted to tackle wide receiver John Metchie III. After contact, Gardner-Johnson stayed down clutching his leg, unable to stand or put weight on it. Trainers rushed in as his teammates watched in disbelief. Per reports from Aaron Wilson (KPRC2), Gardner-Johnson was “in major pain” and had to be carted off the field, with an MRI scheduled to determine the full extent of the injury.
#Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson carted off, right leg injury. He got hurt tackling John Metchie III. In major pain evidently, and couldn’t put weight on it. He is inside with trainers. Next step: MRI. Practice has resumed @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 7, 2025
For a Texans team with playoff expectations and a rising core led by Stroud, the injury sent ripples through the locker room.
Stay tuned! There’s more to this story.
The post CJ Stroud & Locker Room on Knees for C.J. Gardner-Johnson as Safety Carted Off After Terrifying Injury at Camp appeared first on EssentiallySports.