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It looks like the Detroit Lions community will have to do a bit more waiting, as safety CJ Gardner-Johnson has been ruled out for the Lions’ week 17 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, as per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport

Back in Week 2, Gardner-Johnson suffered a torn pectoral muscle against the Seattle Seahawks. Despite the injury, the 26-year-old managed to continue playing through the pain, finishing the outing with eight combined tackles (seven solo and one assisted). In his two games with the Lions, Gardner-Johnson managed 13 combined tackles and two passes defended.

While the safety has been medically cleared to play again early in December and has already been practicing with Detroit, the Lions seem to be taking precautions, making sure that the returning Gardner-Johnson is 100% once he steps on the field again.

What Gardner-Johnson brings to the Lions

After three seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Gardner-Johnson arguably had his best year with the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2022-23 season. In 12 regular season games, Gardner-Johnson managed to tally a total of 67 combined tackles (61 solo and six assisted), eight passes defended and six interceptions. In three postseason games, he produced 12 combined tackles, four of which came in the Eagles’ Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

As of late, Gardner-Johnson has been posting several Instagram videos teasing his return. It’s not surprising, considering the Lions’ current winning season. Detroit holds an 11-3 record while sitting at the top of the NFC North, their first division title in over 30 years. Ahead of their matchup against the Cowboys, the Lions look to bring momentum coming from a two-game win streak, one of which includes a brutal thrashing of the Denver Broncos in Week 15.