Gardner-Johnson carted off with calf strain at Bills camp
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- C.J. Gardner-Johnson went down during an 11-on-11 period at Bills training camp Saturday and was carted to the locker room after tests revealed a lower calf strain.
- Gardner-Johnson was tended to by athletic trainers who examined his lower right leg/foot area, then supported him off the field while he avoided putting weight on the leg, per the report.
- Dion Dawkins said he approached Gardner-Johnson and asked if he could walk, adding that coaches told him the safety is 'all right' and will follow protocol to return.
- Gardner-Johnson, a free agent addition this offseason, is a projected starting safety alongside Cole Bishop and has served as a vocal leader for the secondary in limited time with Buffalo.
- Geno Stone and Damar Hamlin stepped in with the first-team defense during Gardner-Johnson's absence; Hamlin said he 'said a quick prayer' and expects the safety to push through.
- GM Brandon Beane checked on Gardner-Johnson while the safety spent roughly 10 minutes in the medical tent before being driven to the locker rooms at St. John Fisher University.
Why it matters: A calf strain to a projected starting safety — and a vocal leader the Bills just signed in free agency — is a notable setback heading into the season, with the team immediately turning to veterans Geno Stone and Damar Hamlin to hold the first-team defense until Gardner-Johnson clears protocol and returns.
