In the Green Bay Packers' 20-19 win over the Chicago Bears, cornerback Eric Stokes saw limited playtime, participating in only four defensive snaps despite being healthy. Stokes, who has struggled with injuries and performance, is being overshadowed by rookie Carrington Valentine, who played a season-high 64 snaps and performed well. With Stokes' future with the Packers uncertain, Valentine is emerging as a promising option for the team's secondary.
The Green Bay Packers had a walkthrough practice on Wednesday, with estimations of player participation. Running back AJ Dillon, safety Darnell Savage, inside linebacker Quay Walker, receiver Christian Watson, and receiver Dontayvion Wicks were estimated as non-participants. Cornerback Jaire Alexander, outside linebacker Kingsley Enagbare, left guard Elgton Jenkins, running back Aaron Jones, slotback/returner Keisean Nixon, safety Jonathan Owens, receiver Jayden Reed, and defensive lineman T.J. Slaton were estimated as limited participants. Cornerback Eric Stokes, who is on injured reserve, was an estimated full participant. Reed is no longer in the concussion protocol but has an ankle injury. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had four significant contributors estimated as non-participants: cornerback Carlton Davis, receiver Chris Godwin, nose tackle Vita Vea, and linebacker Devin White.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes has been placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury, just after returning from a foot injury. Head coach Matt LaFleur expressed disappointment for Stokes, who only played four snaps before getting injured again. The Packers have signed Corey Ballentine and Robert Rochell to bolster their secondary in response to the injuries.
Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Rashan Gary returned to full participation in practice after recovering from a season-ending ACL tear, while cornerback Eric Stokes' status for the regular season remains uncertain. Safety Tarvarius Moore is considered day-to-day with a knee injury, and several other players, including running back Lew Nichols and left tackle David Bakhtiari, did not practice. Offensive lineman Jake Hanson was waived with an injury designation, and the team signed cornerback Elijah Hamilton and inside linebacker Marvin Pierre. Tackle Caleb Jones, cornerback Corey Ballentine, and slotback Innis Gaines returned to practice. The starting offensive line featured Rasheed Walker, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, Jon Runyan Jr., and Zach Tom. Rudy Ford started at safety opposite Darnell Savage, and defensive linemen Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, and Jonathan Ford stood out in practice. Quarterback Jordan Love had an up-and-down day, and rookie kicker Anders Carlson struggled with accuracy. The team has no plans to change kickers.
The Green Bay Packers have placed cornerback Eric Stokes and outside linebacker Rashan Gary on the active/physically unable to perform list as they recover from injuries. Stokes is rehabbing from Lisfranc foot surgery, while Gary is coming back from a torn ACL. Backup center Jake Hanson and first-year receiver Jeff Cotton also joined them on the PUP list, while receiver Grant DuBose and tight end Camren McDonald were placed on the non-football injury list.
The Green Bay Packers are in the midst of their OTA sessions, with QB Jordan Love getting tested and CB Eric Stokes revealing more about his injury. Former Packers adversary Adrian Peterson says he's not ready to retire yet, while Matt LaFleur loves receivers who block, like college player Grant DuBose. In non-football news, a sustainable mushroom coffin is gaining popularity as a last wish for some.
Green Bay Packers coaches spoke to reporters ahead of voluntary OTAs, providing insight on various players. Special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia spoke highly of kicker Anders Carlson, whom he previously coached at Auburn. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry hinted that cornerback Eric Stokes' return from injury may not be imminent. Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich suggested that second-year offensive lineman Zach Tom could compete for the starting center job. Wide receivers coach Jason Vrable praised the growth of seventh-round pick Samori Toure.
The Green Bay Packers may need to invest in a cornerback during the 2023 NFL draft despite having nine cornerbacks under contract, including Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes. While the depth and experience at the position is good, the Packers need to protect against change and continue building out the position. Dane Brugler of The Athletic has 14 cornerbacks in his top 100 players, including seven in his top 45, and there is real talent at the top of the draft.
