It’s not all bad for the Philadelphia Eagles after a deflating Christmas Eve loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

It’s never fun to lose to the Cowboys, and even worse when key players suffer significant injuries, but the possible return of one Eagles star should stoke excitement among the fanbase.

Philadelphia could be on the verge of regaining one of its top defenders. Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who has missed four games while on Injured Reserve with a lacerated kidney, could be on his way back to the field sooner rather than later.

Per the NFL’s Injured Reserve policy, Gardner-Johnson missed the minimum four games and is now eligible to return to practice. However, head coach Nick Sirianni doesn’t want to rush him back.

“That’s something you don’t mess around with,” Sirianni said on Gardner-Johnson’s lacerated kidney. “When he’s healthy, he’ll go."

Coach Sirianni gives an update on C.J. Gardner-Johnson. #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/WXhOdyF1hE

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 26, 2022

At the time of his injury in Week 12 against the Green Bay Packers, Gardner-Johnson led the NFL with six interceptions. As it turns out, not much has changed. Gardner-Johnson is still atop the league’s interceptions throne, but Seattle Seahawks rookie cornerback Tariq Woolen has moved into a tie with him.

With the Eagles in pole position for the NFC’s No. 1 seed, rushing Gardner-Johnson back isn’t worth the risk. However, his return will be critical for the Eagles, who are going to be without its slot cornerback Avonte Maddox for a period of time.

#Eagles CB Avonte Maddox suffered a significant toe injury, per me and @MikeGarafolo. He had his MRI this morning to confirm the news that he's out indefinitely. Philly does have CJ Gardner-Johnson eligible to come off IR and is a possibility to play in the slot.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 26, 2022

There is no question that the Eagles’ defense is a better unit with Gardner-Johnson on the field. Sirianni must first confer with the team’s medical staff before making a decision on when exactly the fan-favorite is healthy enough to return to a prominent role in the secondary.

Featured image via Eric Hartline – USA TODAY Sports