Banjo announced his retirement via his personal Twitter account Sunday.
The undrafted defensive back out of SMU played in 10 NFL seasons with three different teams (Packers, Saints and Cardinals). Banjo mostly operated as a special-teams ace, but he did record three career interceptions and had a fumble recovery for a touchdown, which came in his final season. He's set to join the Broncos as an assistant special teams coach.
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Cardinals' Chris Banjo: Placed on IR
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Arizona placed Banjo (illness) on injured reserve Friday.
Banjo won't play in the Cardinals' season finale due to an illness. His move to IR is simply transactional to open up a roster spot for Week 18. Banjo played primarily on special teams during the 2022 campaign, totaling 11 tackles and one fumble recovery across 13 appearances.
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Cardinals' Chris Banjo: Exits with hamstring injury
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Banjo won't return to Friday's preseason game against the Cowboys due to a hamstring injury.
Banjo was shaken up on the first play of the fourth quarter, and he was ruled out for the remainder of the game shortly after his departure. The severity of the injury hasn't been revealed, but the 31-year-old will serve as depth in Arizona's secondary this year if he's healthy in time for Week 1.
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Cardinals' Chris Banjo: Back with Cardinals
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Arizona re-signed Banjo to a one-year contract Monday, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.
Banjo will return for a third straight season in the desert. The 31-year-old veteran brings quality depth to the Cardinals secondary, as he's proved capable of filling in as a starter when necessary. He's coming off a career year, with 48 tackles (34 solo) across 13 games.
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Cardinals' Chris Banjo: Back from COVID-19 list
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The Cardinals activated Banjo (undisclosed) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, per the league's official transactions report.
Banjo spent roughly a week on the COVID list, which forced him to miss the Cardinals' season-ending loss to the Rams, but he'll now be eligible to return to team facilities. Through 13 appearances in 2020, Banjo notched a career-high 48 tackles (34 solo) along with one defended pass. He's set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
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Cardinals' Chris Banjo: Lands on COVID list
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The Cardinals placed Banjo (hip) on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday, Kyle Odegard of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Banjo has handled at least 75 percent of defensive snaps in four straight contests, but it looks likely that he'll be unavailable for Sunday's road game against the Rams. The transaction indicates that Banjo has either tested positive for the virus or come into close contact with someone who has.
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Cardinals' Chris Banjo: Upgraded Thursday
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Banjo (hamstring) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.
After failing to suit up in Wednesday's practice, it was a good sign that Banjo was able to suit up in some fashion. Banjo's practice availability Friday should paint a clearer picture of his chances to suit up in Week 5. If he's forced to miss more time, expect both Charles Washington and Deionte Thompson to have a role at strong safety.
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Cardinals' Chris Banjo: Unable to practice Wednesday
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Banjo (hamstring) didn't participate in Wednesday's practice, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Banjo missed Week 4 and is on the wrong track ahead of Sunday's matchup versus the Jets, but he still has two more practices to get on the field in some capacity. If he misses Week 5 as well, expect both Charles Washington and Deionte Thompson to have a role alongside starting free safety Budda Baker.
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Cardinals' Chris Banjo: Leaves game Sunday
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Banjo (hamstring) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Lions, Kevin Zimmerman of ArizonaSports.com reports.
Banjo came up limping on a play late in the first quarter, and he hasn't returned to the game. As long as Banjo is sidelined, look for Charles Washington to take over as the team's starting strong safety.
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Cardinals' Chris Banjo: Totals nine tackles Week 2
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Banjo racked up nine tackles (six solo) and one pass defense during Sunday's 30-15 win against Washington.
Banjo is filling in for Jalen Thompson, who suffered an ankle injury in the season opener and currently resides on injured reserve. Due to the situation, Banjo will start at strong safety for at least the next two weeks before the Cardinals can decide whether to activate Thompson. Through two games, Banjo has logged 94.5 percent of the Cardinals' defensive snaps en route to 15 tackles, which so far ranks fourth among the team's IDPs.
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Saints' Chris Banjo: Absent from OTAs
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Banjo (knee) wasn't present at OTAs on Thursday, Josh Katzenstein of NOLA.com reports.
Banjo was one of four Saints not present at OTAs on Thursday. The team didn't provide a reason for the defensive back's absence, but a league source said he is recovering from a "minor knee injury." Banjo has appeared in all 32 games for the Saints over the last two seasons, though primarily in a special teams role. The 29-year-old logged 608 snaps on special teams in that span, compared to 85 snaps on defense.
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Saints' Chris Banjo: Inks extension with Saints
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Banjo and the Saints agreed on a three-year extension worth $9 million Saturday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Banjo suited up for all 16 games last season. While he provided depth at safety, he is seen primarily as a standout special teamer. He figures to continue focusing on that role with the club going forward.
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Saints' Chris Banjo: Signs with Saints on Monday
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Banjo signed with the Saints on Monday, Adam Caplan of ESPN reports.
Banjo was signed after working out for the team. He recently reached an injury settlement with the Packers on Oct. 31. The 26-year-old figures to provide depth at free safety for the team.
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Packers' Chris Banjo: Lands on IR
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Banjo (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve Monday, NFL.com's Mike Garafolo reports.
Banjo, the Packers' backup free safety, is only expected to be out 3-4 weeks. However, the Packers opted to place him on IR as the team is trying to pull off a juggling act with their expendable roster spots since the team's cornerback situation is currently in flux.
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Packers' Chris Banjo: Ruled out Week 6
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Banjo (hamstring) is listed as out for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, Rob Devmosky of ESPN reports.
Banjo sat out all of the Packers' practices last week after injuring his hamstring in the team's Week 5 win over the Giants. Kentrell Brice and Marwin Evans will likely see some extra reps behind usual starters Morgan Burnett and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.
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Packers' Chris Banjo: Inactive Sunday
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Banjo (hamstring) is listed as inactive Sunday in Minnesota, Duke Bobber of the Packers' official site reports.
Like outside linebacker Jayrone Elliott, Banjo has been out of commission since the third preseason game due to a hamstring injury. Once he receives clearance for game action, he'll return to a regular role on special teams.
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Packers' Chris Banjo: Doubtful for Week 2
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Banjo (hamstring) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Vikings, Rob Demovsky of ESPN reports.
Banjo missed the team's Week 1 win over the Jaguars and didn't practice at all this week, making it unlikely he plays Week 2. Look for Kentrell Brice to assume the role as backup safety once again if Banjo is held out.
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Packers' Chris Banjo: Considered doubtful for Week 1
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Banjo (hamstring) is doubtful to play Week 1 against the Jaguars, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.
Banjo has been nursing a hamstring injury since Green Bay's third preseason game. If he's unable to lace up, Kentrell Brice will likely assume backup duties behind FS Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.
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Packers' Chris Banjo: Misses practice Wednesday
Rotowire
Banjo (hamstring) was unable to participate in practice Wednesday.
Banjo sustained the injury in Week 3 of the preseason, and has been dealing with it ever since. It is unclear if he will be able to go Sunday when the Packers take on the Jaguars. If he plays he projects to backup Ha Ha Clinton-Dix at free safety.
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Packers' Chris Banjo: Does not play final preseason game
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Banjo (hamstring) was inactive for the Packers' final preseason game, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Banjo did not play in the Packers' final exhibition contest, but he is part of the team's 53-man roster, so he should have a chance to play Week 1. If he is ready to go he will be counted on as a key member of the Packers' special teams units.
