Needing to bolster the defensive tackle rotation, the Buffalo Bills signed DT Greg Gaines to a one-year deal on Tuesday after a workout. As a result, the cooresponding move was to release DT Tommy Akingbesote.
Gaines comes to Buffalo after stops with the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning a Super Bowl in 2021 with the Rams. He has appeared in 108 games with another 9 in the playoffs with 38 starts. Despite not being the Tampa Bay Buccaneer that Bills fans covet in Vita Vea, Gaines still comes in with a proven track record of play.
Read below for a full injury history and analysis.
Injury History
2019 Los Angeles Rams
No publicly reported injuries.
2020 Rams
No publicly reported injuries.
2021 Rams
Hand, Week 14, missed 0 games.
Ankle, Week 15, missed 0 games.
Gaines suffered an ankle sprain in Week 15 and was limited throughout the week before missing practice on Friday. Despite the limited designation, he was able to suit up and play nearly every defensive snap.
Left hand fourth metacarpal fracture, Week 16, missed 0 games.
Gaines suffered a broken hand, specifically a metacarpal in the fourth digit which is the ring finger against the Minnesota Vikings. He underwent surgery the following Monday before placing a cast on the area, was limited through the week, and did not miss any games. hand DNP DNP lp questionable play
Toe, Divisional Round, missed 0 games.
Gaines was limited throughout the week prior to the NFC Championship game but had no designation heading into the game.
2022 Los Angeles Rams
Illness, Week 9, missed 0 games.
Elbow, Week 9, missed 1 game.
Despite playing through illness, Gaines suffered an elbow injury playing in nearly 60 percent of the game before exiting. He was unable to practice all week and was doubtful before eventually ruled out for Week 10.
Shoulder, Week 17, missed 0 games.
Gaines appeared to suffer a shoulder in practice that led him to miss Thursday’s practice before returning to full on Friday without a designation. He lingered on the injury report into Week 18.
2023 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
No publicly reported injuries.
2024 Buccaneers
Ankle, Week 4, missed 0 games.
Gaines appeared to suffer a practice injury as he was limited Thursday and Friday heading into Week 4 but had no designation.
Calf, Week 9, missed 2 games.
Gaines suffered a calf injury in the Thursday practice prior to Week 8, missing practice and was ruled out. He then was unable to practice the following week, missing Week 9. He was able to return to practice and was questionable heading into Week 10, appearing in 34 percent of defensive snaps.
Foot, Week 11, missed 0 games.
Gaines was limited throughout the week and questionable heading into Week 12 before playing in 40 percent of the defensive snaps.
Ankle, Week 13, missed 0 games.
Knee, Week 14, missed 0 games.
2025 Buccaneers
Ankle, Week 1, missed 0 games.
Gaines picked up an ankle injury in the season opener but had no designation heading into Week 2.
Pectoral, Week 4, missed 0 games.
Toe, Week 7, missed 0 games.
Buffalo Bills Injury Analysis
Looking at his injuries, nothing sticks out. He’s missed three games due to injury with two of those due to a calf in 2024. He doesn’t really exhibit any patterns other than ankle injuries throughout his career. Considering how often he probably gets kicked, stepped on, or twisted, it’s no surprise he needs a little extra treatment during the week. He appears to play through most injuries and can get the job done when called upon.
It’s also impressive that he underwent surgery to fix the broken bone in his hand but did not miss any games.
Gaines has had plenty of experience manning the middle of the defensive line and in the playoffs, appearing in roughly 40 percent of the snaps since 2023. He peaked with his workload in 2022 with 72 percent of snaps played with the Rams. He has proven to be a productive player that doesn’t get any of the individual accolades, but when four out of the seven teams you’ve played on make the playoffs, you’re doing something right.
His signing may be more indicative of Phidarian Mathis’ looming suspension and maybe an indication that DeWayne Carter and Zion Logue may not be the answer the Bills are looking for.
I’d like to welcome Greg Gaines to Buffalo and to remain healthy this year.
Top Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports
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