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Ravens signing S C.J. Gardner-Johnson to practice squad

Tue Oct 7 2:56pm ET
Field Level Media

The Baltimore Ravens are signing well-traveled veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to their practice squad, according to multiple media reports on Tuesday.

Gardner-Johnson, who won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, had been traded to Houston in March and was released by the Texans after three games on Sept. 23.

Houston's KPRC 2 reported at the time that there was "friction" in the locker room that involved his criticism of teammates, complaints about his role and a trade request.

The Ravens (1-4) are dealing with injuries to the secondary, including safety Kyle Hamilton (groin) and cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey (calf) and Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring).

Gardner-Johnson, 27, recorded 15 tackles and one quarterback hit during the Texans' 0-3 start.

Houston acquired Gardner-Johnson from Philadelphia on March 11 in exchange for offensive lineman Kenyon Green and a 2026 draft pick swap.

Gardner-Johnson has 18 interceptions, 51 passes defended, four sacks and 319 tackles in 77 career regular-season games (64 starts) with the New Orleans Saints (2019-21), Eagles (2022, 2024), Detroit Lions (2023) and Texans.

He also has 51 tackles and one interception in 13 playoff games (10 starts), including all four last postseason with Philadelphia.

New Orleans selected Gardner-Johnson in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 6

Player Notes
Romeo Doubs Oct 7 3:40pm ET
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs is coming off by far his best game of the season in Week 4, with an awesome three-touchdown performance against the Dallas Cowboys. Is that performance something we can bank on in future weeks? Besides the three touchdowns in Week 4, Doubs earned eight targets and caught six balls for 58 yards. Entering the team's Week 5 bye, Doubs is tied with tight end Tucker Kraft with 19 targets and is second to Kraft in receptions and yards on the Packers this season. Despite that, Doubs averages less than five targets, just over three receptions, and 45 yards in per-game statistics. Simply put, that's not good enough to put into your fantasy lineups in most weeks, even with bye weeks here. Against the Bengals in Week 6, Doubs is merely a dart-throw flex option for fantasy managers, as the Packers' target distribution is so spread out that any number of Packers could be in line to lead their receiving production in a given week.

From RotoBaller

Kendre Miller Oct 7 3:00pm ET
Kendre Miller

New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller has seen his snap share increase every game this season, and in Week 5, he was on the field for 26 of the Saints' 66 offensive plays. He saw double-digit carries for the second straight week and out-touched Alvin Kamara on the ground for the first time this year. In a relatively unremarkable waiver week, he becomes a priority add wherever he's still available, but fantasy managers should be leery of his almost non-existent usage in the passing game. He's seen only four targets through five weeks, and in the Saints' first win of the season, some of his increased workload can be explained away by a game script New Orleans is unlikely to repeat with regularity.

From RotoBaller

Gunnar Helm Oct 7 2:50pm ET
Gunnar Helm

Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm caught four of five targets on Sunday for 34 yards, all of which represented the highest totals of his young career. According to Titans OC Nick Holz, Helm catches the ball easily and "could see his targets going up moving forward." The rookie tight end out of Texas was one of three pass catchers selected by the Titans in the fourth round of the 2025 draft. While receiver Elic Ayomanor was the quickest to make an impact, Helm could see his role expand and is someone for fantasy managers to at least keep an eye on for now. Despite the Titans' improbable win on Sunday, Cam Ward has thrown only two touchdowns on the year and is averaging 175.8 passing yards per game, making it difficult to rely on any of the team's pass catchers for fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Oct 7 2:40pm ET
Darius Slayton

While all practice participation is merely projected as the New York Giants prepare to play the Eagles on Thursday night, receiver Darius Slayton (hamstring) would not be able to participate in Tuesday's walkthrough, according to head coach Brian Daboll. With superstar wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) out for the year, Slayton had an opportunity to step up on Sunday against the Saints, but he caught only three passes for 31 yards and added a costly fumble in the loss. Now looking unlikely to play on Thursday night, Wan'Dale Robinson should see the bulk of the Giants' wide receiver targets against a Philadelphia defense that has been unkind to fantasy receivers through five weeks.

From RotoBaller

Carson Wentz Oct 7 2:30pm ET
Carson Wentz

The Minnesota Vikings hope to have starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) back in time to play in Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles, which would mean backup Carson Wentz is likely headed back to a reserve role once again. With McCarthy yet to practice, however, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported it's possible the second-year quarterback could be out longer, but cited a league source saying there was "nothing to see here" regarding a change in McCarthy's timeline. The Vikings are on a bye in Week 6, which will give McCarthy another full week of rest before tentatively returning to practice next week. Managers in Superflex leagues with stakes in the Vikings' QB room should be ready to keep up with the injury reports in the lead-up to Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Jaxson Dart Oct 7 2:30pm ET
Jaxson Dart

With the New York Giants preparing to play on Thursday night against the Eagles, quarterback Jaxson Dart (hamstring) would have been projected as limited in Tuesday's walkthrough. With the short week of preparation, there are no official reports of his participation, but head coach Brian Daboll believes he will be fine for Thursday night. Dart has been a usable fantasy piece since taking over for Russell Wilson and now starting two games. While the rookie signal caller has fumbled twice and thrown two interceptions, while averaging only 5.2 yards per attempt, he's run for over 50 yards in each of his starts, adding one touchdown on the ground. With a built-in floor provided by his legs, Dart will continue to see streamable opportunities throughout the year, but this week against the Eagles is not one of them.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Oct 7 2:20pm ET
Justin Jefferson

The Minnesota Vikings are on a bye in Week 6, but their return to the field could have fantasy implications for wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) has not played since Week 2, but the team is targeting Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles as his projected return. Jefferson drew 6.5 targets in two games with McCarthy compared to 9.7 with backup Carson Wentz, though Minnesota has been much more intentional about getting their star wideout the ball in the past two weeks, throwing his way a robust 22 times. Despite Minnesota facing tons of injury issues on the offensive line and both opponents surely game-planning for Jefferson to be heavily featured, he still put up 100-yard efforts in both games. Among fantasy receivers, Jefferson is about as QB-proof as there is, but McCarthy's return still will be a variable worth monitoring.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Oct 7 2:20pm ET
J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) has not practiced in the weeks after his injury, but the Vikings still appear to be targeting Week 7 as the quarterback's return after their Week 6 bye. Diana Russini of The Athletic reported McCarthy could be out longer, but cited a league source saying there was "nothing to see here" on the injury front. Carson Wentz went 2-1 as a starter in McCarthy's absence, including leading a game-winning touchdown drive in the final minute in Week 5 against Cleveland, though Minnesota is likely to go back to the 2024 first-rounder. The bigger issue for any Vikings quarterback is the amount of injuries up front. The team will be without starting center Ryan Kelly (concussion) for at least another month, right tackle Brian O'Neill (knee) and left guard Donovan Jackson (wrist) are both question marks for Week 7, and left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) has been on a snap count as he returns from ACL surgery last year.

From RotoBaller

Will Reichard Oct 7 2:10pm ET
Will Reichard

In one of the more bizarre plays of the season, Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard's attempt to tie last week's game against Cleveland with a 51-yard field goal abruptly sliced and missed wide right -- but with good reason. The Athletic reported and video appears to confirm the Vikings' belief that the ball actually struck one of the overhead wires, at which point the down should have been replayed. Minnesota came back to win anyway, but fantasy managers who started Reichard had some awful luck, as a high-scoring field goal that initially looked good ended up as a miss, and the officiating crew missed the reason why. From a fantasy perspective, Reichard has been a nice surprise in spite of a Vikings offense ravaged by injuries, going for 11-for-11 on PATs and 8-for-8 on field goals that were not blocked by objects in the field of play.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Oct 7 2:10pm ET
Jaylen Warren

In addressing the media on Wednesday, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach included running back Jaylen Warren (knee) in a group of players for which he said the "arrow [was] pointed up". Warren was off to an excellent start to the season, due in large part to his heavy usage in the passing game, but a knee injury caused him to miss the Steelers' Week 4 game against the Vikings in Ireland. Warren has now had a bye week to recover, and he has been participating in individual drills this week. The Steelers face a stout Cleveland defense in Week 6, so Warren is by no means a must-start if he's available, but his pass-catching should provide a safe floor, particularly in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Joe Flacco Oct 7 1:50pm ET
Joe Flacco

The Cincinnati Bengals are acquiring veteran quarterback Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. In exchange for Flacco, the Bengals will send a fifth-round pick to Cleveland and will also receive a sixth-rounder. Flacco was benched for rookie QB Dillon Gabriel in Week 5, but now he'll have another shot to start in 2025 as a replacement for the struggling Jake Browning, who has thrown six touchdowns and eight interceptions in four games (three starts) with Joe Burrow (toe) on Injured Reserve. Flacco, 40, is no stranger to turnovers himself, though, and he wasn't exactly looking great in four starts for the Browns before being benched. Flacco had gone 93-for-160 for 815 yards, two touchdowns, and six picks. He'll bring a more veteran presence that will look to feed receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins down the field, but it's not much of an upgrade over Browning, if at all.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Ramsey Oct 7 12:50pm ET
Jalen Ramsey

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that cornerback Jalen Ramsey (hamstring) will be limited in practice at the start of the week on Wednesday, but he could do more later in the week, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor. Tomlin also said that Ramsey has been aggressive in his recovery during the Week 5 bye, and he's encouraged by his status leading into the Week 6 game this Sunday versus the division-rival Cleveland Browns. The 30-year-old veteran defensive back was apparently injured in the Week 4 win in Ireland over the Minnesota Vikings. The team's bye came at a good time, though, and it sounds as though Ramsey has a good chance of playing this Sunday against Cleveland. Through four games so far in 2025, Ramsey has 14 tackles (eight solo), an interception, and four pass breakups.

From RotoBaller

Terrion Arnold Oct 7 12:50pm ET
Terrion Arnold

A second opinion on Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold's shoulder on Tuesday showed that the injury is not as bad as initially feared, and he is now expected to return this year, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. A source described it as "sooner than expected" for Arnold's return, and he could make it back in October. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero said on Tuesday morning that it was looking likely that the 22-year-old cornerback would miss the rest of the year. However, now it looks like he could avoid season-ending shoulder surgery, which is great news for Detroit's secondary. The Lions are also currently without D.J. Reed (hamstring) and Khalil Dorsey (concussion) in their secondary, leaving them thin on the back end heading into their Week 6 showdown on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs.

From RotoBaller

KaVontae Turpin Oct 7 12:40pm ET
KaVontae Turpin

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said on 1053 The Fan that the team has its "fingers crossed" that wide receiver KaVontae Turpin (foot) can return in Week 6 on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers on the road, according to Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com. Turpin didn't play in the Week 5 win over the New York Jets due to a foot sprain that kept him out of practice all last week. The 29-year-old has mostly been a big asset on special teams as a kick returner for Dallas, but he's also beginning to take on a bigger role on offense as a pass-catcher. If Turpin can return this weekend, he'll have a bigger opportunity in the passing game with CeeDee Lamb (ankle) expected to miss another game. However, Turpin would be competing with Ryan Flournoy, who had a big game on Sunday, and Jalen Tolbert for WR2 duties behind George Pickens, making him more of a WR5 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Oct 7 12:40pm ET
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) will be limited at practice to start the week on Wednesday, but he could do more later in the week, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. Austin has been aggressive in his recovery during the team's Week 5 bye, and he's encouraged by his status heading into a Week 6 date against the division-rival Cleveland Browns. The 26-year-old pass-catcher injured his shoulder late in the Week 4 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland, but he has a chance to play this weekend with the bye coming at the right time for him. Austin has been Pittsburgh's clear No. 2 WR behind DK Metcalf this year, catching 10 of his 17 targets for 139 yards and two touchdowns in four games. If he's active in Week 6, Austin will be a risky WR4/flex coming off injury against a strong Browns defense.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Oct 7 12:20pm ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (hamstring) is eligible to come off Injured Reserve and play in Week 6, but he's considered a "long shot" to return this Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that Kittle is more likely to return in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons than this week versus Tampa Bay. The 31-year-old veteran injured his hamstring in the season opener and was placed on IR, but he's missed the required four games and can now return whenever the team deems him healthy. Once the Niners designate him to return to practice, they'll have a 21-day window to officially activate him. In the meantime, Jake Tonges, who scored his third TD in Week 5, should be in play as a TE streamer in fantasy, especially if receivers Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs) and/or Ricky Pearsall (knee) miss more time.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Oct 7 12:13pm ET
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon (ankle) could provide clarity on his status in the next month, according to general manager Nick Caserio. Caserio was non-committal on if Mixon will play this year.

Fantasy Spin: Several league sources doubt Mixon will play this year, and another source said the team isn't planning on him contributing at all this year. He should remain stashed on IR if possible, but it seems like Nick Chubb has some runway. He's the RB28 in non-PPR formats and will continue to be a flex candidate.

From TheHuddle

Brashard Smith Oct 7 12:10pm ET
Brashard Smith

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Brashard Smith recorded just one carry for four yards in his team's 31-28 Week 5 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, Smith recorded three catches for 32 yards on three targets, his second straight game with at least three receptions. It's a baby step in the right direction for Smith. He's still behind veterans Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt on the running back depth chart in Kansas City, but the Chiefs may slowly be prioritizing ways to get the ball in Smith's hands. He now has 87 yards from scrimmage on 14 total touches this season, 11 of which have come over the last two weeks. Smith should not be expected to provide immediate fantasy production. Still, he should be stashed in all fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams heading into a Week 6 matchup against the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller

Jake Tonges Oct 7 12:10pm ET
Jake Tonges

San Francisco 49ers tight end Jake Tonges came up big in Week 5, tying Kendrick Bourne for a team-high 11 targets and securing seven receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown. The score was his third trip to the end zone since taking over for George Kittle (hamstring) as the team's primary receiving tight end. Kittle was seen running on a side field during Monday's practice, but is still on injured reserve. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said that Kittle playing in Week 6 is a "long shot" and the likelier return date will be Week 7. If Kittle continues to miss time, and pending the status of wide receivers Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs), Tonges could be in store for another productive week. In Week 6, the 49ers face the Buccaneers, who have given up two touchdowns to tight ends in each of their last two games.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Oct 7 11:50am ET
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio said the team will have clarity on running back Joe Mixon's (foot/ankle) health status for the "duration of the year" at some point "over the next few weeks." Mixon has not played yet in 2025, and the team has provided little to no information about a possible return timeline. It seems possible, if not likely, that the 29-year-old will miss the entirety of the season. If that's the case, Houston will likely continue splitting backfield work between veteran Nick Chubb and rookie Woody Marks. Chubb has recorded 58 carries for 249 yards and two touchdowns so far this season. Marks has logged 233 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 42 total touches, and could eventually work his way into the lead role over the course of the season.

From RotoBaller