The Green Bay Packers continue to suffer injuries during practice this season. Edgerrin Cooper is the latest to join the list. The Packers' talented rookie linebacker surprisingly appeared on Wednesday's injury report due to a hamstring issue. While he was a limited participant, reporters didn't initially ask Matt LaFleur for an update.
Now, we have more clarity. Cooper didn't practice on Thursday, a downgrade from yesterday's session, but LaFleur has since provided the context. Cooper suffered the hamstring injury during Wednesday's practice, hence the limited designation, and was unable to go today.
LaFleur said there is concern about his status for Sunday but, as usual, wouldn't go into detail on his injury. Hamstring issues can be difficult, so hopefully it's nothing significant and doesn't cost Cooper too much time. But sitting out of practice due to a hamstring issue three days before the game is less than ideal and puts his status very much in doubt for the upcoming clash with the San Francisco 49ers.
Unfortunately, the Packers could also miss Jaire Alexander. Despite the Packers seemingly getting good news earlier in the week, Alexander told The Athletic's Matt Schneidman that he is dealing with a PCL tear and suffered a setback in the Chicago Bears game. It leaves him with an uncertain timetable to return.
Here is the Packers' updated injury report for Week 12:
Player | Position | Injury | Wed. | Thu. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jaire Alexander | CB | Knee | DNP | DNP |
Kenny Clark | DL | Toe | LP | LP |
Edgerrin Cooper | LB | Hamstring | LP | DNP |
Josh Jacobs | RB | Quad/Calf | LP | LP |
Elgton Jenkins | G/T | NIR-Rest | LP | FP |
Josh Myers | C | Wrist | LP | LP |
Rasheed Walker | T | Knee | LP | FP |
Evan Williams | S | Hamstring | LP | LP |
Colby Wooden | DL | Shoulder | LP | LP |
Edgerrin Cooper status is concerning ahead of big game vs. 49ers
The Packers need their defense to step up against a talented 49ers offense. Playing without Alexander and Cooper? Not ideal.
Green Bay has an issue at linebacker, as Quay Walker has struggled for most of the season. If the Packers had any plans to bench Walker (they probably didn't), we can probably forget about it if Cooper can't go. That's a concern with Christian McCaffrey coming to town. He can hurt the Packers' defense on the ground or as a receiver.
If Alexander is out, the Packers will need Carrington Valentine, who played well against the Bears and is clearly ahead of Eric Stokes on the depth chart, to step into the starting lineup. Keisean Nixon is having an up-and-down season. The Bears went after him, and the Niners might take a similar approach.
If there's a positive to take away from Thursday's injury report, it's that the team is trending in the right direction elsewhere, but the injuries to Alexander and Cooper could significantly hurt the defense. Hopefully, the Packers provide a more positive update on Friday's final injury report.