NFC North

Lions confirm C.J. Gardner-Johnson medically cleared, could return to practice next week

ALLEN PARK, Mich. — After weeks of sending out teasers about his recovery on social media, the Detroit Lions have confirmed veteran defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been medically cleared after having surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle earlier this season. "Yeah, I got the same report, which is good news," Lions coach Dan Campbell said. "It's great news. So it is back to what we said, he is one of the X-Men. He's got these mutant genes, because he has healed extremely quickly and he has got his strength back and (the pectoral muscle) is secure. So yeah, he's going to be ready to g…