The Baltimore Ravens may just be the most beat-up team across the NFL currently. Injuries have made this team a shell of itself, and that was on full display in their 44-10 defeat at the hands of the Houston Texans in Week 5. With a 1-4 record, the Ravens are running out of time to get back on track, leading to the front office making some eye-catching moves on Tuesday.
While Lamar Jackson’s injury status is obviously the situation that is generating the most attention, Baltimore is dealing with injuries everywhere, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. That led them to former Super Bowl champion safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was surprisingly released by the Texans earlier this season after just three games.
Ravens Sign C.J. Gardner-Johnson to Practice Squad
After missing the majority of the 2023 season with a torn pectoral, Gardner-Johnson latched on with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024 and promptly helped them win Super Bowl LIX. He enjoyed easily the best season of his career, racking up 59 tackles, six interceptions (one of which he returned for a touchdown), and 12 pass deflections, which earned him an 11th-place finish in the Comeback Player of the Year Award race.
Despite his strong play, the Eagles opted to move on from him this offseason, sending him to the Texans in a surprising trade. Houston was hoping Gardner-Johnson could play a big role in their secondary, but after struggling through three games, they opted to release him, and he’s been waiting for a new opportunity ever since then.
That opportunity has appeared with the Ravens, who desperately need some help at safety with Kyle Hamilton dealing with a groin injury. Baltimore opted to sign Gardner-Johnson to their practice squad on Tuesday, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him get elevated to the active roster and contribute immediately if the team’s injury woes persist.
“Free agent safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson signed with the Baltimore Ravens on the practice squad, the team announced Tuesday,” ESPN wrote. “The Ravens released defensive tackle Josh Tupou from the practice squad in a corresponding move.”
Ravens Hoping for Big Win in Week 6
GettyORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 07: Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens yells down field against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at Highmark Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)
Injuries aren’t the only reason the Ravens find themselves in a 1-4 hole through five games, but it’s clear that getting healthy could help them get back on track. Even when Hamilton eventually returns to action, Gardner-Johnson’s experience could come in handy for Baltimore, as he’s a strong tackler who has a knack for making plays on the ball.
Heading into Week 6, it feels like the Ravens’ season is hanging in the balance. Making matters worse, they will draw a tough matchup against the Los Angeles Rams when they take the field next. Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, and if Baltimore can’t find a way to win, its season could be on the verge of truly spiraling out of control.
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