The Green Bay Packers filled their final roster spot on Saturday, signing rookie linebacker Krys Barnes from the practice squad.
Barnes, an undrafted free agent from UCLA, will give the Packers four inside linebackers entering Week 1. He joins Christian Kirksey, Oren Burks and Ty Summers at the position. Kamal Martin, the team’s impressive rookie, is on injured reserve after having knee surgery.
Barnes (6-2, 229) played in 43 games for UCLA, tallying 212 tackles, 5.0 sacks, 21 tackles for losses, 15 pass breakups and two interceptions. In 2019, he produced 10 tackles for losses, 4.0 sacks and eight pass breakups, all career-highs. Barnes was signed by the Packers immediately following the draft and was in Green Bay throughout training camp.
The Packers had an open roster spot after putting Martin and cornerback Kabion Ento on injured reserve earlier in the week.
Barnes was a high school teammate of Jordan Love, the Packers’ first-round draft pick.
Although the Packers did not keep an undrafted rookie free agent on the initial 53-man roster, Barnes’ promotion to the active roster ensures the Packers will have one to start the regular season.
The Packers take on the Minnesota Vikings in the season opener on Sunday.
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