Report: Lions' Gardner-Johnson feared to have torn pectoral

Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson is feared to have suffered a torn pectoral in Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport.

The 25-year-old is reportedly expected to be out the lineup indefinitely and could potentially miss the remainder of the season.

"There's a chance he comes back this season," head coach Dan Campbell said Tuesday, according to 97.1 The Ticket's Will Burchfield.

Gardner-Johnson appeared to favor his shoulder after walking off the field during Seattle's opening drive. Following treatment from team trainers, he was able to return to the game. He finished the contest with a team-leading eight tackles.

Detroit signed Gardner-Johnson to a one-year, $6.5-million contract this offseason. He joined the Lions after posting 67 tackles and six interceptions last season for the Philadelphia Eagles. The Florida product began his pro career with the New Orleans Saints from 2019 to 2021.

With their prized free agent sidelined indefinitely, the Lions are expected to lean on rookie Brian Branch, Tracy Walker, and Ifeatu Melifonwu.

Walker, in particular, was mentioned by the Lions head coach Tuesday as someone who could step up.

"That's why Tracy Walker's here," Campbell said.

The injury to Gardner-Johnson is among multiple ailments stemming from the Lions' Week 2 matchup. Linebacker James Houston is reportedly set to miss the next six-to-eight weeks after fracturing his ankle. Running back David Montgomery sustained a thigh injury that is considered day-to-day.