Packers claim WR Kawaan Baker off waivers from Raiders
The Packers waived cornerback Isaiah Dunn with an injury designation to clear a roster spot for Baker, who will be officially added to the roster once he passes a physical on Wednesday. Matt LaFleur's team needs an experienced player at receiver with Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Savion Williams and now Romeo Doubs -- who left practice on Tuesday -- dealing with injuries of various severities.
Baker was a seventh-round pick (No. 255 overall) of the New Orleans Saints in the 2021 NFL draft. He spent time on the Packers practice squad in October and November of the 2022 season, so there is some experience in LaFleur's offense.
Baker has spent time on the practice squads of the Saints, Packers and Philadelphia Eagles, and he was with the New England Patriots during the 2024 season.
While at South Alabama, Baker caught 126 passes for 1,829 yards and 16 touchdowns while also rushing 92 times for 376 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also returned 29 kickoffs. In 2020, Baker was a second-team All-Sun Belt pick.
The Packers are headed to Indiana to face the Colts in a joint practice on Thursday and a preseason game on Saturday. It's possible Baker will be needed to play snaps late in the preseason game.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers gets into heated exchange with rookie Kaleb Johnson
Tensions were fiery on the final day of Steelers training camp — and the outspoken 20-year veteran QB Aaron Rodgers finally showed off some of the tough love he's been known to possess throughout his career. On Tuesday, sideline reporters spotted Rodgers having some choice words for rookie RB Kaleb Johnson — who ran the wrong route in practice, leaving the Steelers quarterback upset. "It wasn't some hushed sideline chat," one practice attendee remarked, via "You could see Rodgers' body language from across the field." Rodgers is no stranger to voicing his frustrations and holding his teammates accountable — such as the "red line incident" with WR Mike Williams on the Jets, perhaps his most infamous example. Previously, former NFL defensive end Chris Long hinted that these outbursts and frustrations from Rodgers, directed at his teammates, could result in drama between the four-time MVP and his star wide receiver DK Metcalf. While alarming at first glance, Rodgers' veteran leadership will do far more good than harm for these young players — which is especially true for Johnson, who's come under criticism recently. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' Aaron Rodgers gets into heated exchange with Kaleb Johnson
CBS News
8 minutes ago
- CBS News
Sauce Gardner dealing with sore calf, status for Jets' preseason game against Giants up in the air
New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner sat out the team's joint practice with the Giants on Wednesday because of a sore calf. Gardner participated in practice Tuesday at the Jets' facility in Florham Park but wasn't spotted during the teams' session at the Giants' facility Wednesday. "Sauce wasn't out (there) today," coach Aaron Glenn said after practice. "He had some calf soreness. We'll continue to evaluate him and see exactly where he's at." Gardner has been one of the Jets' best players since being drafted fourth overall out of Cincinnati in 2022. He was the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and was an All-Pro selection in his first two NFL seasons. The 24-year-old Gardner had a slightly off season, by his standards, last year but is still considered one of the league's elite cornerbacks. Gardner signed a four-year, $120.4 million extension through the 2030 season, making him the NFL's highest-paid player at his position. He also is the focal point of a new-look secondary for the Jets, who have Gardner and free-agent signing Brandon Stephens at cornerback, with Michael Carter as the nickelback and free-agent signing Andre Cisco and Tony Adams at safety. The Jets don't have another full practice before their preseason game against the Giants on Saturday night. Glenn declined to say whether he would play his starters in that game -- "The plan is the plan," is all he would divulge -- so it's unclear if Gardner would participate even if healthy. Typically, teams play their starters for a quarter or a half in the second game, using it as a warmup for the regular season while backups typically play the final preseason game. Rookie quarterback Brady Cook, an undrafted free agent out of Missouri, was back on the field after leaving practice Tuesday with an ankle injury after someone stepped on his foot. He didn't participate in team drills. "Held him out, but I anticipate him playing this week," Glenn said. "So that's good." Cook is one of just three healthy quarterbacks on the Jets' roster, with starter Justin Fields and Adrian Martinez. Glenn announced Tuesday that veteran backup Tyrod Taylor had arthroscopic knee surgery and wouldn't play the rest of the preseason.
Yahoo
14 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 56: a history of the number and who wore it best
The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we're at 56 days until Pittsburgh faces off against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. In the spirit of the countdown, we're taking a look at the history of No. 56 and the players who wore it best. Current Steelers No. 56 wearer: OLB Alex Highsmith One of the most underrated yet dominant pass rushers in the NFL today, Alex Highsmith currently wears No. 56 for the Steelers. Drafted with the 102nd overall pick in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Highsmith has produced 35.5 sacks in his first five seasons with Pittsburgh. With T.J. Watt's current holdout showing no signs of slowing down, expect Highsmith to play a pivotal role in getting the Steelers edge rushers ready for the 2025 season. Last five Steelers to wear No. 56: Alex Highsmith, 2020-present Anthony Chickillo, 2015-2019 LaMarr Woodley, 2007-2013 Chukky Okobi, 2001-2006 Mike Vrabel, 1998-2000 Best No. 56 in Steelers history: OLB LaMarr Woodley While many Steelers greats have donned No. 56, OLB LaMarr Woodley is the best. Woodley was drafted by Pittsburgh with the 46th overall pick in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft, playing in 94 games over seven seasons with the Steelers from 2007 to 2013. A force off the edge, Woodley helped lead the Steelers to a Super Bowl XLIII victory. He also earned Second-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2009, after leading the team with 13.5 sacks. Woodley's impressive 57 career sacks with the Steelers rank ninth in team history. A standout presence in one of Pittsburgh's toughest defensive eras, Woodley is the greatest Steeler to ever wear No. 56. Honorable mentions: LB Robin Cole, who played in 150 games for Pittsburgh, was a four-time Super Bowl champion, and earned Pro Bowl honors in 1984; and C Ray Mansfield, who played in 182 games for the Steelers and was a two-time Super Bowl champion. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 56: history behind the jersey
