Eagles’ C.J. Garner-Johnson being evaluated for concussion vs. Panthers originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Eagles starting safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is being evaluated for a concussion in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers.
The injury happened in the first quarter when Gardner-Johnson took some friendly fire from Tristin McCollum, who started in place of Reed Blankenship.
That means that both Eagles starting safeties are potentially out with concussions. Blankenship suffered his concussion last week in Baltimore. The Eagles are also without Sydney Brown (knee) in this game.
So Gardner-Johnson has been replaced by Avonte Maddox, who has struggled some this year. Maddox began the season as the Eagles’ starting nickel corner but Cooper DeJean took over that role in Week 6. Since then, Maddox has been an extra defender in the dime package. He did get reps at safety in training camp.
The only other safety active for today’s game is practice squad elevation Andre’ Sam, who had never played in an NFL game before today.
On the first drive of the game, Gardner-Johnson had a huge hit on Panthers receiver Xavier Legette to cause an incompletion on third down to force a punt.