28 E.J. Gaines DB

Gaines (groin) won't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Chargers, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Gaines began the week as a limited practice participant, but he finished the week with no limitations to avoid the questionable tag. The 26-year-old should serve his usual starting role opposite Denzel Ward on Sunday.

Gaines is expected to start at cornerback for Week 5 against the Ravens, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Gaines will fill in for fellow cornerback Terrance Mitchell (wrist), who was placed on injured reserve Tuesday. The Missouri product played 42 of the Browns' 92 defensive snaps -- in addition to 12 of 38 special teams snaps -- in last week's loss to the Raiders.

Gaines (knee) is unlikely to suit up for Sunday's season opener against the Steelers, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Gaines was able to participate in individual drills Thursday, but he hasn't practiced without limitations since suffering a knee sprain over two weeks ago. Gaines is not expected to remain sidelined for an extended period of time, but it seems unlikely that the 26-year-old will play at all on Sunday.

Gaines' deal with the Browns is a one-year contract worth $4 million, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports.

Gaines signed with the Browns on Friday but the terms of his contract weren't immediately known. Now that they are, it's clear Cleveland views him as a starter in defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' up-and-coming defensive unit. Playing under Williams while both were with the Rams from 2014 to 2016, Gaines totaled 126 tackles, 21 pass breakups and two interceptions over 26 games.

Gaines signed a contract with the Browns on Friday, Andrew Gribble of the team's official site reports.

Gaines is a solid addition to the Brown's new-look secondary and will reunite with defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who coached Gaines while both were with the Rams from 2014 to 2016. The terms of his contract aren't clear, though he'll presumably slot in as a starter opposite Jamar Taylor, with Jabrill Peppers and Damarious Randall providing help at safety. In 11 games for the Bills last season, Gaines logged 59 tackles, three forced fumbles and a pick.