The Houston Texans have had a rough camp and preseason when it comes to injury news. Joe Mixon set the tone by being instantly in question and still hasn't been able to fully reveal his status. With this in mind, when C.J. Gardner-Johnson went down, the worst was feared to have happened. It was serious enough that it appeared the star safety could miss the entire season or at least a large portion of it.
It was a right leg injury that was bad enough to require a cart and halt practice. Typically, these types of stories don't end with promising updates. This has especially been the case for the Texans, who simply cannot seem to catch a break. Even in a very winnable division, there were higher expectations this season after 2024 brought a level of frustration in the lack of clear progress.
Gardner-Johnson was supposed to be part of the solution to this, bringing needed defensive energy. The veteran plays with a reckless edge that doesn't always sit well with opposing teams or, at times, even his own teammates. Whatever the line is, the defender is going to be standing directly on it, willing to leap over at a moment's notice. This works in both directions and is an understood risk when adding the star.
Gardner-Johnson is getting work in on the side today. A very positive sign as he looks to play in LA Week One.
— Landry Locker (@LandryLocker) August 19, 2025
Texans Given Surprisingly Positive Update on Injured Defender
According to Landry Locker, Gardner-Johnson continues to make a surprising recovery and was working on the side today as he attempts to get ready for Week 1. It is the ever-elusive good Houston injury news as the defender not only appears poised to make a quick return, but return in time to only miss camp and preseason reps. It would be an incredible development with how serious the injury was first feared to be.
For the veteran defender, the goal is to bring the same intensity and energy he did en route to helping the Philadelphia Eagles win last year's Super Bowl. The physically dominating presence of the safety can be such an underrated asset, even with the concerns that he brings. It is exactly the type of energy and edge Houston lacks, despite having an incredibly talented defense.
As the Texans continue to close in on the regular season, the organization has reason to feel far better about its current standings. If C.J. Stroud can bounce back from a rough 2024, there is reason to believe that this group could become surprise players in the AFC.