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The Buffalo Bills received encouraging news after safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered a frightening injury during training camp on Saturday.
The NFL star was carted to the locker room on Saturday after hurting his right lower leg. He first needed assistance into the medical tent before undergoing further evaluation. Initial concerns eased after testing revealed the injury was not as serious as feared.
ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg shared Joe Brady’s update on X following the examination.
“We’re fortunate,” Brady said.
He added, “We got good news. We’ll see how his body recovers.”
MORE: Buffalo Bills show signs of new offensive wrinkle in training camp
Getzenberg later reported that Brady did not provide a timetable for Gardner-Johnson’s return.
Earlier, ESPN’s Adam Schefter, citing his source, reported that “Gardner-Johnson, who was carted to the locker room during Saturday’s practice, suffered a lower calf strain.”
The positive diagnosis is important for a Bills defense entering a new era under Brady and defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard.
Gardner-Johnson signed a one-year, $6 million contract in March after Buffalo overhauled its secondary. The Bills also added Geno Stone, who replaced Gardner-Johnson during team drills after the injury.
Rochester, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills safety C.J Gardner-Johnson (22) speaks with the media after a training camp session at St. John Fisher University. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The veteran safety brings experience and versatility to a defense that moved on from Jordan Poyer and Taylor Rapp this offseason. During the 2025 season, Gardner-Johnson totaled 66 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and four passes defended across stints with the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears.
Buffalo finished 12-5 last season before losing to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round. Although the offense remained among the league’s best, the front office prioritized rebuilding the defense during free agency.
Now, Brady’s comments should ease concerns, even without a recovery timeline. Lower calf strains can vary in severity, making a cautious approach the smartest option before the regular season.
MORE: Baker Mayfield contract talk overshadowing positives from Bucs camp
Gardner-Johnson was signed to stabilize a rebuilt secondary, and Buffalo cannot afford unnecessary setbacks after reshaping its defensive backfield. If he returns near full strength, the Bills will regain an experienced playmaker capable of creating turnovers and supporting a defense expected to complement Josh Allen and one of the AFC’s strongest offenses.
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The NFL star was carted to the locker room on Saturday after hurting his right lower leg. He first needed assistance into the medical tent before undergoing further evaluation. Initial concerns eased after testing revealed the injury was not as serious as feared.
ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg shared Joe Brady’s update on X following the examination.
“We’re fortunate,” Brady said.
He added, “We got good news. We’ll see how his body recovers.”
MORE: Buffalo Bills show signs of new offensive wrinkle in training camp
Getzenberg later reported that Brady did not provide a timetable for Gardner-Johnson’s return.
Earlier, ESPN’s Adam Schefter, citing his source, reported that “Gardner-Johnson, who was carted to the locker room during Saturday’s practice, suffered a lower calf strain.”
Buffalo Bills expect Gardner-Johnson to play a major role
The positive diagnosis is important for a Bills defense entering a new era under Brady and defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard.
Gardner-Johnson signed a one-year, $6 million contract in March after Buffalo overhauled its secondary. The Bills also added Geno Stone, who replaced Gardner-Johnson during team drills after the injury.
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Rochester, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills safety C.J Gardner-Johnson (22) speaks with the media after a training camp session at St. John Fisher University. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The veteran safety brings experience and versatility to a defense that moved on from Jordan Poyer and Taylor Rapp this offseason. During the 2025 season, Gardner-Johnson totaled 66 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and four passes defended across stints with the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears.
Buffalo finished 12-5 last season before losing to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round. Although the offense remained among the league’s best, the front office prioritized rebuilding the defense during free agency.
Now, Brady’s comments should ease concerns, even without a recovery timeline. Lower calf strains can vary in severity, making a cautious approach the smartest option before the regular season.
MORE: Baker Mayfield contract talk overshadowing positives from Bucs camp
Gardner-Johnson was signed to stabilize a rebuilt secondary, and Buffalo cannot afford unnecessary setbacks after reshaping its defensive backfield. If he returns near full strength, the Bills will regain an experienced playmaker capable of creating turnovers and supporting a defense expected to complement Josh Allen and one of the AFC’s strongest offenses.
Continue reading...
