Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was released last month after just three games with the Houston Texans, has landed a practice squad deal with the Baltimore Ravens, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Gardner-Johnson, who started all three of his games with Houston, had 15 tackles (11 solo) and a quarterback hit.
He previously signed a three-year, $27 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles prior to the 2024 season. In his second stint with the team, Gardner-Johnson excelled with Philadelphia en route to helping the team to a Super Bowl win, leading the squad with six interceptions.
After the season, Gardner-Johnson was traded to the Texans for left guard Kenyon Green in what amounted to a cost-cutting move.
However, his time in town didn’t last long. Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 provided more details.
Now Gardner-Johnson is on the practice squad of the Ravens, who have started 1-4 and allowed the most points in the league through five weeks (177).
The Ravens have dealt with a litany of injuries on the defensive side of the ball.
Of note, two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike is out for the season with a neck injury. Three-time First Team All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith is dealing with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Two-time Pro Bowl safety Kyle Hamilton just missed his team’s 44-10 loss to the Houston Texans with a groin injury. Linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who led Baltimore with 12.5 sacks last season, missed a pair of games with a hamstring ailment. Two-time First-Team All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey suffered a groin injury in Week 4 and has been out since. Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie missed last Sunday with a hamstring injury.
Needless to say, the Ravens need help, especially since the team is already missing superstar quarterback and two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, who is out with a hamstring injury suffered in Week 4. Simply put, without Jackson, the Ravens aren’t in position to win shootouts with the defense so short-handed.
So Gardner-Johnson, who is on the practice squad, could very well be on the active roster down the road with the team needing reinforcements.
In the meantime, the Ravens have another tough matchup on Sunday against the high-scoring Los Angeles Rams. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET at home.
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