C.J. Gardner-Johnson Fantasy

New Orleans Saints safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday. It's unclear if he tested positive for the virus or if he was deemed a high-risk close contact of someone else who did. If he tested positive, he'd be unable to play in the Week 17 regular season finale against the Panthers. Gardner-Johnson has been a key member of a Saints Defense that is ranked third in the NFL, playing 87 percent of the defensive snaps as a nickel safety. He ranks third on the team with 65 tackles and is second with 11 passes defensed, adding an interception and a sack. Starter Marcus Williams (ankle) sat out in Week 16 and may be rested this weekend. With the postseason approaching, it's something to watch for one of the strongest defenses in the league all year.

Dec. 30th • 10:28 PM

New Orleans Saints defensive backs coach Aaron Glenn said that safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson will spend a good amount of time covering the slot this year. Gardner-Johnson was taken in the fourth round by the Saints last year, and he compiled 49 tackles (38 solo), six tackles for loss, one interception, eight passes defensed and a fumble recovery in 16 games (seven starts). He wasn't great as a rookie, but he should suffice covering opposing wideouts out of the slot down the middle of the field heading into his sophomore season in a vastly improved New Orleans secondary. The Saints Defense won't be one of the first fantasy defenses off the board late in drafts, but they're worth taking as a low-end starting unit if you wait on your defense.

Jun. 9th • 2:06 PM