Not only did the veteran defenseman turn 26 on Wednesday, but he also returned to the Lions training camp for the first time in just over three months.Gardner-Johnson hasn’t practiced or played since battling through a torn pectoral muscle to kick a field goal in a Week 2 loss to Seattle on June 17. in SeptemberHe was limited in practice on Wednesday, but it was a good first step in getting him back on the field on game days.andquot;Back in force,andquot; Gardner-Johnson said Wednesday after practice. andquot;I’m just happy to be back in my element. I wasn’t off the ball myself. Being around my boys and seeing them win kept me going.andquot;Players can practice up to three weeks before being activated from IR to the 53-man roster or returning to injured reserve for the remainder of the season.Gardner-Johnson said his head is fine and he doesn’t think it will be long before he can jump back into the game, but he didn’t know exactly when that would happen. He said the last three months have been lonely and dark and he’s just happy to be back in the game and with his teammates.Had 13 tackles and two pass breakups in two games in Detroit before going on IR. He came to Detroit after spending the 2022 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played in 12 games (12 starts) and had 67 tackles (61 solo), eight passes defensed, six interceptions, five tackles for loss and one sack . His six interceptions tied for the NFL lead.andquot;Heand#039;is one of the X-Men,andquot; Lions head coach Dan Campbell talked about Gardner-Johnson’s return. andquot;Heand#039;s got those mutation genes because he recovered very quickly. And it is, the head is recovered, it is safe and so, the head will be ready to go here soon.andquot;The Lions enter Sunday’s game at Minnesota ranked #18 against the pass. Their 15 takeaways ranked just 24th. A win Sunday in Minneapolis would clinch the Lions’ first division title since 1993. It’s not yet known if Gardner-Johnson will be ready for Sunday, but he’s working and getting closer, which is good news for the Lionsand#039. ; to extend under protection. 4,444 PLAYOFF SCENARIOS 4,444 4,444 scenarios in which the Lions win the NFC North or earn a playoff berth are much easier in Week 16. If the Lions win, they will be the NFC North champions and host at least one playoff game at Ford. Region.Detroit can earn a playoff spot with a loss to the Los Angeles Rams or Seattle. The Rams host New Orleans (7-7) on Thursday night. Seattle travels to Tennessee to face the 5-9 Titans.VIKINGS BLITZThe Lions face a Minnesota defense on Sunday that leads the NFL in passing at 47.7 percent. New Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores likes to go after opponents with pressure, and Detroit needs to be ready for that. Ten different players recorded sacks for the Vikings.The 15.5 bags by Danielle Hunterand#039; on the season is half a sack behind Pittsburghand#039’s T.J. Watt leads the league. He had at least one sack in 11 of Minnesota’s 14 games this season.The hardest thing about facing Flores and the Vikings is that they are as likely to drop to eight as they are lightning fast, making them difficult to counter.andquot;They make a lot of negative plays,andquot; Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley said Wednesday. andquot;You see that in the run game, the pass game. They certainly played well. Their defense was flying. That is certainly a big challenge for us.andquot;Campbell said this is the kind of week where, due to the moving parts, mission customization and unique nature of Vikingsand#039, the plan of attack may not be finalized until game day; protection planTACKLE MACHINEIn last week’s win over Denver, linebacker Alex Anzalone had 12 tackles (seven solo), two quarterback hits, one loss and one defense. The 12 hits give him 108 on the year and his second consecutive 100-hit season. He is the first Lions player to post consecutive 100-plus seasons since Tahir Whitehead in 2016-17.Anzalone also has 3.0 sacks, 11 quarterback hits, six tackles for loss, a fumble recovery and six passes defensed. He will do anything to protect it.EXTRASThe Vikings are one of two NFL teams this season with four players with at least 40 receptions, 435 yards and two touchdowns (San Francisco). Wide receiver Jordan Addison, tight end T.J. Hockenson, wide receiver Justin Jefferson and wide receiver K.J. Every Osborn achieved these totals. 4,444 Jahmyr Gibbs is second among rookies in rushing yards (792), third (1,088) and fourth in scrimmage touchdowns (8). He has at least 50 extra yards in the first 12 games of his career..