Detroit’s defensive backfield might have taken a season-long hit in Sunday’s loss.<\/p>\n
Safety \ufeffChauncey Gardner-Johnson\ufeff is feared to have suffered a torn pectoral in the Lions’ Week 2 defeat against the Seattle Seahawks and is out indefinitely, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported Monday night. Gardner-Johnson could potentially miss the remainder of the season.<\/p>\n
With the Lions looking to address holes in their defense this past offseason, Gardner-Johnson was a prized free-agent acquisition signed to a one-year deal.<\/p>\n
Already a positive locker room influence with the team, Gardner-Johnson had tallied 13 tackles and a pair of pass breakups in two games with Detroit (1-1). Unfortunately, Sunday could stand as the last game of the season for CJGJ and potentially his final game with Detroit, considering his contract situation.<\/p>\n
In the veteran’s absence, rookie nickelback \ufeffBrian Branch\ufeff, veteran \ufeffTracy Walker\ufeff or \ufeffIfeatu Melifonwu\ufeff could jump into a starter’s role.<\/p>\n
The Lions will look to bounce back from Sunday’s loss and rebound from Gardner-Johnson’s departure on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.<\/p>\n