The Green Bay Packers filled the final spot on the 53-man roster by signing defensive back Innis Gaines from the practice squad on Saturday, making Gaines available for Sunday’s showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Packers still had an open roster spot after trading cornerback Rasul Douglas to the Buffalo Bills last week, so no corresponding roster move was required.
Gaines played in the maximum of three games as a practice squad elevation this season, including an elevation last week against the Los Angeles Rams. While listed as a safety, Gaines can play a variety of positions, including slot cornerback.
Over three games so far in 2023, Gaines was on the field for six defensive snaps and 47 special teams snaps. He produced three tackles.
Last season, Gaines played 10 or more defensive snaps in three straight games to end the season, mostly as a dime cornerback.
Adding Gaines provides the Packers with another defensive back option as Darnell Savage (calf) and Eric Stokes (hamstring) recover on injured reserve and Jaire Alexander (shoulder) and Rudy Ford (calf) heal from recent injuries.
An undrafted free agent out of TCU, Gaines has played in 11 games for the Packers over the last three seasons.