E.J.

Gaines

Gaines previously chose to opt out of the 2020 season altogether. His departure likely keeps fourth-year corner Levi Wallace pinned across from All-Pro Tre’Davious White. Oft-injured, Gaines has made just six appearances over the past three seasons.

Gaines spent last year out of the league after getting waived with an injury settlement. He re-signed with Buffalo in March and had an inside track to a roster spot. With Gaines sitting out, Cameron Lewis, Dane Jackson, and Ike Brown will compete for depth roles on the outside.

The ex-Ram started 11 games for the Bills in 2017. His playing time has fallen ever since, with Gaines making just six appearances over the past two seasons. He tried to make the Bills out of training camp last year but ended up on injured reserve with a groin issue before getting cut loose with an injury settlement. Coach Sean McDermott’s staff clearly likes Gaines, but his recent NFL history suggests he will not make the 53-man roster.

The Texans are leaving no stone left unturned as they try to upgrade their shaky secondary. Frequently battling health issues, Gaines was cut by the Bills with an injury settlement (groin) in August. He made just six appearances, including two starts, for the Browns last season before landing on injured reserve with a concussion. When healthy, Gaines has often been an asset.

Gaines was placed on injured reserve (groin) last week, but they’ve agreed on an injury settlement, which makes him eligible to sign with another team. This offseason, the Bills signed Gaines to a one-year, $3.6 million contract in hopes of him winning a starting spot. Gaines will get another shot once he’s healthy.

Gaines initially injured his groin in practice was expected to miss “several weeks” from the jump. He now won’t be eligible to return until after Week 8 (assuming the team chooses to use him as one of their two Designated to Return players). Levi Wallace and Kevin Johnson will continue competing for the No. 2 corner role opposite Tre’Davious White.

Gaines suffered the injury during practice over the weekend. He was involved in the competition for the No. 2 corner spot, but as has been the case throughout his career, an injury has derailed his progress. Levi Wallace and Kevin Johnson are also competing for the No. 2 job.

It is something of a homecoming for Gaines, who played one season with the Bills in 2017 before leaving for an injury-marred season with the Browns. Gaines will have a shot to earn a starting job on a depth chart which is wide open behind Tre’Davious White.

Gaines suffered his second concussion in less than a month last week. This will shut him down for the season. An unrestricted free agent, Gaines is unlikely to be back with the Browns.

He suffered a concussion at practice this week. With Gaines unavailable, more will be asked of Briean Boddy-Calhoun on Sunday.