This week, the Detroit Lions are expected to get safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson back from injury, after the veteran safety tore his pectoral muscle back in Week 2. But despite Gardner-Johnson being placed on injured reserve while in a starting role, he won’t be returning with as big of a role. With the breakout play of safety Ifeatu Melifonwu over the last month, the Lions plan to use a rotation of their safeties for their regular season finale against the Minnesota Vikings.
“All three of those guys are going to play because they’re all good players,” defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said.