Camp Woes

As training camp begins across the National Football League, unfortunate news of player injuries will begin to ramp up as well.

The most recent scare involves former Philadelphia Eagle-turned-Detroit Lion C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was carted off during Monday morning’s practice after a non-contact injury.

Veteran #Lions DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson went down with a right leg injury Monday & was carted off the field. He was visibly upset and team captains Buggs and Goff made it a point to go comfort him. Hoping for better news than it looked.

— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) July 24, 2023

 

However, the worst-case scenario thankfully appears to have been avoided, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.

The MRI on Lions S C.J. Gardner-Johnson revealed no structural damage to his knee and he is considered day-to-day at this time, I’m told.

Great news for a huge part of Detroit’s reshaped secondary after Gardner-Johnson left practice earlier today.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) July 24, 2023

Gardner-Johnson is expected to play a big role in the emerging Lions’ secondary after leading the NFL in interceptions during the 2022 season despite playing in just 11 games.

Detroit was able to get the 25-year-old safety/nickel hybrid on a one-year $7 million deal after negotiations to return to the Eagles fell apart. 

The injury bug appears to be biting players who have played for either of the most recent Super Bowl teams.

Chiefs’ WR Kadarius Toney — who underwent an off-season cleanup procedure on his knee — aggravated the injury Sunday while fielding a punt and is expected to miss some time during training camp but be ready for the start of the regular season, per league source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 24, 2023

Toney is no stranger to having to recover from injury before taking the field, missing seven games in his rookie year and eight during his sophomore campaign in ‘22. 

Nyhiem Hines

The most devastating injury this week occurred from a freak accident off the field.

While sitting stationary on a jet ski, Nyheim Hines was struck by another rider and sustained serious, but non-life threatening injuries. Hines will require surgery and will miss the 2023 season. https://t.co/hR1VVD7BmW

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 24, 2023

The RB was acquired by the Buffalo Bills at the trade deadline of 2022. In the final week of the regular season, Hines made headlines by scoring two touchdowns on a kickoff return in one game, the first being good for one of the most emotional moments of the season

NYHEIM HINES RUNS THE OPENING KICK BACK FOR A TOUCHDOWN!!!!

What a moment 🙌 #LoveForDamar

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/sizpPcCk0i

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) January 8, 2023

Buffalo will make due in the ground game this season with James Cook and the newly-signed Damien Harris while they look to replace Hines’ production in the return game.

For now though, all attention on Hines should be geared toward a speedy and full recovery.

Star Holds Out

Another superstar RB is making his contract displeasure loud and clear.

 

After leading the NFL in 2022 with 1,653 yards, Josh Jacobs was rewarded with a franchise tag rather than a new deal entering free agency.

Jacobs joins Giants RB Saquon Barkley as the notable camp holdouts at the position.The devaluing of the ground game has become common practice over the last decade, upsetting many NFL star running backs who recently met on a Zoom call to discuss their grievances.