The Detroit Lions are expected to have safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson return from injury this week, after the veteran safety tore his pectoral muscle in Week 2. Despite being placed on injured reserve while in a starting role, Gardner-Johnson will not be returning with the same role. With safety Ifeatu Melifonwu’s breakout performance over the previous month, the Lions want to deploy a safeties rotation in their regular-season finale against the Minnesota Vikings.
“All three of those guys are going to play because they’re all good players,” said defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. “And one thing we try to do as a defense is make sure our best players are out there.” Will all three players be on the field at the same time? Possibly. Will someone be available? Possibly. But you’ll see that they’re all going to play.”
Gardner-Johnson told reporters on Friday that he’d take the role, but he was plainly unhappy about not being a full-time starter now that he’s ready to return to the field.
“I’m fine with it, but how can I say this? “I don’t want to sound selfish or a (expletive), but I’m not coming back early to be in a rotation,” he told MLive. “However, I’m doing what I need to do as a team player to get my body going.” But I’ve been preparing for about a month.”
His dissatisfaction is reasonable. Gardner-Johnson is not only regarded as one of the league’s top safeties, but he has spent the last four months exhaustively rehabbing from injury, surprising even coach Dan Campbell with his speed of recovery.
“He’s one of the X-Men,” Campbell declared in December. “He’s got these mutant genes because he has healed extremely quickly.”
Having said that, the safety room has been doing admirably, particularly with Melifonwu’s breakthrough. Melifonwu has 21 tackles, 3.0 sacks, five passes defended, two interceptions, and a forced fumble since becoming a starter four weeks ago. He was also selected NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Vikings.
Gardner-Johnson acknowledges this, but believes his seasoned presence and consistent play deserve to be recognized as well.
“I didn’t lose my job because of a coverage blunder.” “I lost my job because of an injury,” Gardner-Johnson explained. “Respect the men in front of me.” But the vet has returned.”
While some may be afraid that Gardner-Johnson’s angst may cause problems in the locker room, Campbell does not believe so. It’s the nature of having extremely competitive individuals in the locker room, and he’s optimistic the veteran safety will put his disagreements aside and capitalize on his opportunity.
“At the end of the day,” Campbell added, “Ducey’s a pro.” “He’s eager to play. He wants to be a part of it, which doesn’t mean he has to like it, but he’ll go out there and give it his all when he’s on the field. And that is the most crucial aspect.”
