Philadelphia Eagles Safety Injured

The Philadelphia Eagles secondary absorbed a major blow in the team's 40-33 Sunday Night Football romp over the Green Bay Packers. Defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson exited with a rib injury in the first half and did not return.

Update: Safety C. J. Gardner-Johnson (ribs) is now ruled out. https://t.co/Yn3CrVQfO2

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 28, 2022

Gardner-Johnson writhed in pain on the field after delivering a hit to Packers wide receiver Christian Watson. He was helped to the sideline before being placed onto a cart and rushed to the locker room.

Gardner-Johnson has been arguably the Eagles' most successful addition (with the exception perhaps of wide receiver A.J. Brown) in a season that has seen the franchise leap to Super Bowl contention. His six interceptions are the most of any player, and the fear he strikes on the backend is a big reason why the Eagles have allowed the fewest net passing yards per attempt in the league.

Gardner-Johnson arrived on the Eagles this year via trade with the New Orleans Saints. The Eagles acquired Gardner-Johnson and a 2025 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2023 fifth-round pick and a 2024 sixth-round pick. He's been an absolute bargain so far this season, but he'll be an unrestricted free agent in the upcoming offseason. His excellent play may merit a franchise tag.

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