Packers make trio of roster moves on Tuesday: what to know

ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 28: Innis Gaines #38 of the Green Bay Packers against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on August 28, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 28: Innis Gaines #38 of the Green Bay Packers against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on August 28, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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The Green Bay Packers continue to churn the back end of the roster along with the practice squad, making a trio of roster moves on Tuesday.

What to know about the Green Bay Packers three recent roster moves

The first move was releasing safety Johnathan Abram from the 53-man roster. Abram, a 2019 first-round pick, was claimed off waivers by Green Bay a few weeks ago following his release from Las Vegas.

Abram was primarily a special teams player with the Packers, seeing just on defensive snap against Tennessee and 28 special teams snaps over two games, according to PFF ($$).. During that span, Abram was flagged three times and recorded one tackle. He was then inactive against Philadelphia on Sunday night.

To replace Abram, the Packers signed safety Innis Gaines from the practice squad. Gaines had been elevated twice this season, the first time coming in Week 8 against Buffalo and then again against the Eagles in place of Abram. Gaines has also solely been a special teams player, with 27 snaps across four special teams units in his appearances. The decision to release Abram and sign Gaines was likely based on their special teams abilities.

With Gaines now on the active roster, the Packers had an opening on the practice squad and signed tight end Nick Guggemos, according to Rob Demovsky. Guggemos is an undrafted rookie out of Division III St. Thomas in Minnesota, where he last played in 2018.

Guggemos stands 6’5″ and weighs 245 pounds. He has no regular-season NFL snaps but most recently spent time with Cleveland during the 2021 season. Guggemos brings excellent size and athleticism to the position, including a 4.49-second 40-yard dash time coming out of college.

Following these transactions, the Green Bay Packers practice squad is again at full capacity while the 53-man roster still remains one player shy following Sean Rhyan’s suspension.