It seems unlikely that safety Innis Gaines will be making a return to the Green Bay Packers, as they have utilized his spot on the practice squad to sign rookie inside linebacker Austin Ajiake. Gaines, who had been signed off the practice squad recently, had already exhausted his three elevations from the practice squad earlier in the season. The Packers made a corresponding move on Monday by picking up cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly off waivers, leading to the release of Gaines from the 53-man roster.
Similar to other players like running back Patrick Taylor and cornerback Kiondre Thomas, it appears that Gaines has moved on from the Packers’ practice squad to find a place on another team in the league. The Packers seem to be prioritizing roster spots for younger players, protecting them for potential opportunities. In the previous week, the healthy inactives for Green Bay included receiver Samori Toure, tackle Caleb Jones, and outside linebacker Brenton Cox Jr., all of whom have entered the league within the last two years. This indicates a strategic focus on developing and providing opportunities for emerging talent within the team.
Austin Ajiake, a product of UNLV, had initially agreed to terms with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent, but the deal was not finalized. Subsequently, he joined the Houston Roughnecks in the XFL, although he didn’t play in any games, before signing with the Denver Broncos in August.
Following his release from the Broncos during roster cutdowns, Ajiake signed a practice squad deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Notably, he had an impressive local pro day during the pre-draft process, showcasing his athleticism with a 4.6-second 40-yard dash and a 38.5” vertical jump, as reported.
Recently released from the Raiders’ practice squad, Ajiake has now joined the Green Bay Packers. He is expected to contribute on special teams, given his extensive experience in that phase of the game. According to Pro Football Focus’ charting, Ajiake played 671 special teams snaps for UNLV last season. If activated for the Packers’ gameday roster, special teams will likely be the area where he sees his initial snaps.
Ajiake joins Christian Young as the team’s only inside linebackers on the practice squad, with the additional note that outside linebacker Arron Mosby, listed at outside linebacker, is a hybrid linebacker who contributed mainly on special teams during the preseason. This gives the Packers added versatility and depth in their linebacker corps, particularly for special teams play.
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