Packers: ‘Unlikely’ Eric Stokes plays again this season, says Matt LaFleur

Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes (21) is carted off the field during the first half against Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Nov. 6, 2022.Packers v. Lions
Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes (21) is carted off the field during the first half against Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Nov. 6, 2022.Packers v. Lions

The Green Bay Packers likely lost two defensive starters for the remainder of the season in last week’s loss to the Detroit Lions.

Star pass rusher Rashan Gary tore his ACL and has been placed on injured reserve. It now appears second-year cornerback Eric Stokes will also miss the remainder of the season.

According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said it’s unlikely Stokes will play again this season.

As the week went on without an update on Stokes, no news felt like bad news.

There haven’t been many updates on what Stokes’ injury is, but Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette reported on Wednesday that the former first-round pick was on crutches in the locker room.

Hopefully the injury isn’t serious enough to keep Stokes out of the start of next season.

With Stokes out, what do the Packers do at cornerback?

The most likely option would have Rasul Douglas start on the outside opposite Jaire Alexander. Douglas has spent more time in the slot this season but is a better fit on the outside.

Keisean Nixon would likely be next up to play in the slot, although the Packers could experiment with Darnell Savage there, especially after the team claimed safety Johnathan Abram on waivers.

Green Bay has options in the secondary, but there’s no doubt losing Stokes for the remainder of the season is disappointing. Along with Gary, the Packers have lost two key starters for the rest of the year.

While the injury is clearly serious enough to end his season, hopefully it’s one he can make a quick, full recovery from.

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