Gardner-Johnson has taken first-team reps at slot cornerback during offseason practices, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
While proving his worth on a one-year deal, Gardner-Johnson is expected to handle a starting role for a revamped Lions secondary. He may also see time at safety, but Detroit is well stocked at that position with Tracy Walker and a pair of recent Day 2 draft picks, Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, on the depth chart.