There was a welcome jolt of energy back at Detroit Lions headquarters this week. C.J. Gardner-Johnson was back with the team and making his presence felt on the practice field.
No, the reigning NFL leader in interceptions is not playing. He’s still sidelined with a torn pectoral muscle he suffered in Week 2. But Gardner-Johnson, who might have a new name soon, came back and brought a nice lift to the defense. Head coach Dan Campbell sure appreciated seeing the vivacious defensive back in the building.
Campbell was asked if Gardner-Johnson might return from the pec injury before the end of the season.
“It’s hard to say,” Campbell said earnestly. “I know this — it’s good having him back. You do forget about just what he brings, his energy, until you see him back out there.”
He added,
“I know rehab is going well. He’s going good. It was good to see him.”
Campbell then nicely summed up the man known as Ceedy Duce,
“He is — He’s all energy, man.”
