In a strategic move, the Green Bay Packers have signed rookie inside linebacker Austin Ajiake, known for his hybrid running back/defense background. This signing comes as safety Innis Gaines seems unlikely to return, with the team utilizing his practice squad opening for Ajiake.
Gaines, having exhausted his three elevations from the practice squad this season, was signed off last week. In a corresponding move, the Packers acquired cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly off waivers, leading to Gaines’ release from the 53-man roster.
Similar to Patrick Taylor and Kiondre Thomas, Gaines appears to have graduated from the Packers’ practice squad to potentially sign elsewhere in the league, aligning with the team’s focus on nurturing young talent. Notably, the healthy inactives for Green Bay last week were all players who entered the league within the last two years.
Austin Ajiake, a prospect from UNLV in the 2023 draft class, brings a unique journey to the Packers. Initially agreeing to terms with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent, he later joined the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks and then signed with the Denver Broncos. Despite an impressive local pro day with the Las Vegas Raiders, Ajiake was released last week from the Raiders’ practice squad.
Ajiake’s athleticism is evident, with a reported 4.6-second 40-yard dash and a 38.5” vertical jump. With 671 special teams snaps for UNLV last season, he is expected to contribute in this phase if activated for the Packers’ gameday roster. Ajiake joins Christian Young as the team’s only inside linebackers on the practice squad, while hybrid linebacker Arron Mosby could contribute on special teams.