Former Super Bowl Champion Safety Turns Down Eagles Practice Squad to Join Giants Workout
The New York Giants are scrambling to fix their injury-riddled secondary ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Denver Broncos. Desperate times have called for a bold, familiar move.
Just two days after being released by the Ravens, a former Super Bowl champion safety has turned down an offer to rejoin the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad. Instead, he’s heading to New York.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who spent time with the Eagles during their 2022 Super Bowl run, is scheduled for a workout with the Giants on Thursday, sources confirmed Wednesday night.
The decision shocked many around the league. Philadelphia extended a practice squad offer earlier this week, but Gardner-Johnson declined, choosing instead to join an NFC East rival’s workout.
The timing couldn’t be more critical for the Giants. Their safety unit has been decimated by injuries, leaving the secondary dangerously exposed entering Week 7.
Tyler Nubin, the promising second-year starter, missed Wednesday’s practice with a groin injury. His status against the Broncos remains questionable, pending final evaluation on Friday.
Veteran safety Jevon Holland has also been limited with neck and calf issues, further depleting a secondary that already ranks 25th in pass defense through six weeks.
Backup safety Dane Belton is nursing a shoulder injury and was also listed as questionable, while Anthony Johnson Jr. has already been ruled out for Week 7.
That leaves Beau Brade as the only fully healthy safety — a player primarily used on special teams. Practice squad hybrid Raheem Layne may be elevated in emergency situations.
It’s a depth crisis for defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, who admitted the team is evaluating “every possible reinforcement” to stabilize the back end before Sunday.
Enter Gardner-Johnson — a fiery, battle-tested playmaker known for his swagger, energy, and versatility in both safety and slot corner roles. Exactly the kind of spark New York needs.
During his last healthy season, Gardner-Johnson led the league with six interceptions for the Eagles. He brings championship experience and instant leadership to a struggling Giants defense.
When asked about his decision to turn down Philadelphia’s offer, he explained:
“I’ve already written my story there. This is a new chapter — the Giants have heart, and I want to help them fight through this storm.”
The Giants, currently sitting 2–4, have shown flashes of improvement on offense but remain inconsistent defensively. Reinforcing their secondary has become top priority during this crucial stretch.
For Gardner-Johnson, this workout represents redemption — a chance to reunite with the NFC East spotlight and remind everyone he’s still a difference-maker when the lights are brightest.
If signed, he could immediately compete for a starting role, bringing toughness, confidence, and championship DNA to a team fighting to keep its season alive.
What channel is Chiefs vs. Eagles on today? Time, TV schedule, live stream to watch Super Bowl rematch
It's a Super Bowl LIX rematch in Kansas City, as the Chiefs vie for revenge against the Eagles in a seismic Week 2 clash.
Last February, Philadelphia captured the franchise's second Lombardi Trophy with a 40-22 drubbing behind a three-touchdown performance from Jalen Hurts and a vintage defensive showcase.
Might Patrick Mahomes mount a more emphatic answer this go-around? The stakes are lower, yes, but the Chiefs surely want to avoid an 0-2 start after a season-opening loss to the Chargers in Brazil. Mahomes threw for 258 yards with two total touchdowns last Friday.
Meanwhile, the Eagles began their title defense with a four-point win over the Cowboys last Thursday, propelled by three rushing touchdowns — a pair from Jalen Hurts and one 10-yard scamper from Saquon Barkley.
Philadelphia will also receive a boost on defense via the return of defensive lineman Jalen Carter, who missed virtually all of the opener following an ejection for spitting in the face of Dak Prescott.
The Sporting News has everything that you need to know about watching Chiefs vs. Eagles, including TV and live stream information for the Super Bowl LIX rematch.
What channel is Chiefs vs. Eagles on today?
- TV channel: Fox
- Live stream: Fubo
Chiefs vs. Eagles will air nationally on Fox, with Kevin Burkhardt (play-by-play) and Tom Brady (analyst) on the call.
Viewers can stream Chiefs vs. Eagles live on
Chiefs vs. Eagles start time
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 14
- Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
Kickoff of Chiefs vs. Eagles is set for 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 14.
The game will be played at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.
Chiefs vs. Eagles radio station
- Radio channel: SiriusXM
Fans can listen to Chiefs vs. Eagles live with SiriusXM on channel 227 (Chiefs broadcast) and channel 382 (Eagles broadcast).
New subscribers can enjoy SiriusXM for free for four months. Listen to live NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL games, plus NASCAR, college sports and more. Stay updated with all the news and get all the analysis on multiple sport-specific channels.
Chiefs schedule 2025
Here's a look at the next five games for Kansas City.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 14 | vs Eagles | 4:25 p.m. |
| Sept. 21 | at Giants | 8:20 p.m. |
| Sept. 28 | vs Ravens | 4:25 p.m. |
| Oct. 6 | at Jaguars | 8:15 p.m. |
| Oct. 12 | vs Lions | 8:20 p.m. |
Eagles schedule 2025
Here's Philadelphia's next five games of the 2025 season.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 14 | at Chiefs | 4:25 p.m. |
| Sept. 21 | vs Rams | 1 p.m. |
| Sept. 28 | at Buccaneers | 1 p.m. |
| Oct. 5 | vs Broncos | 1 p.m. |
| Oct. 9 |
at Giants | 8:15 p.m. |
