Bills Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson Carted Off Field After Lower-Leg Injury at Training Camp

On Saturday, August 1, 2026, during the third day of Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University, veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson went down while defending a pass in an 11-on-11 drill. Trainers evaluated his lower-right leg/foot, noted he could not bear weight, and escorted him to the medical tent. After about seven minutes, he was placed on a cart and taken to the locker room. No immediate diagnosis was released.

ESPN

Athletic trainers and teammates, including offensive tackle Dion Dawkins, rushed to Gardner-Johnson’s side. He was able to stand and walk with limited weight before being supported off the field. Coaches said the player was “all right” and would follow standard injury protocol.

ESPN

• Dion Dawkins said coaches informed him that Gardner-Johnson was okay and would receive needed treatment.

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The Bills have not issued a formal injury update as of the afternoon of August 1.

C.j. Gardner-johnson hurts right leg at Bills practice

• “I walked up to him and I told him, 'You all right? Take care of yourself. Can you walk?'” — Dion Dawkins

ESPN

• “I just said a quick prayer and I think he'll be all right," Hamlin said.” — Damar Hamlin

ESPN

Gardner-Johnson signed a one-year contract worth up to $6 million in the 2026 offseason. The eight-year NFL veteran was projected to start opposite third-year safety Cole Bishop and add ball-hawking ability to a secondary that includes Geno Stone and rookie Jalon Kilgore.

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• Career: 87 games (71 starts), 370 tackles, 7 sacks, 20 interceptions.

Sports Illustrated

• 2022 season: tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions, contributing to the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory.

Sports Illustrated

If Gardner-Johnson misses practice time, the Bills will likely increase reps for Geno Stone and give Jalon Kilgore a larger role in safety rotations. The injury comes early in camp, a period when coaches evaluate depth-chart options.

CJ Gardner-Johnson injury update: Buffalo Bills safety carted off with right leg issue at 2026 training camp

• ESPN described the incident as a “lower-body injury” with trainers examining the back of his foot.

CJ Gardner-Johnson injury update: Buffalo Bills safety carted off with right leg issue at 2026 training camp

• Heavy reported the injury appeared non-contact and involved the right foot or ankle.

WIVB - Buffalo

No official medical diagnosis has been released, leaving the severity and expected recovery timeline uncertain.

CJ Gardner-Johnson injury update: Buffalo Bills safety carted off with right leg issue at 2026 training camp

The Bills indicated an MRI will be performed before further comment. A status update is anticipated after the team’s next practice on Monday, when coaches will assess Gardner-Johnson’s ability to participate in upcoming drills.

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