Packers are left with an obvious Eric Stokes decision after Week 5 win

The Green Bay Packers have battled injuries and inconsistent play at cornerback in the opening five weeks of the season. The good news is that, having struggled to stay healthy in the previous two seasons, Eric Stokes is healthy and his hamstring issues seem to be a thing of the past.

However, is Stokes playing well enough to hang onto a starting job once Jaire Alexander returns from injury? That's another question altogether.

The former first-round pick has started all five games and has played the second-most defensive snaps among cornerbacks—only Keisean Nixon has more. However, Stokes has yet to register a pass defense or interception, and quarterbacks are finding success when throwing his way.

According to PFF, opposing quarterbacks have completed 20 of 28 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns in his coverage, good for a passer rating of 118.9. The Packers need much more from Stokes.

The trend continued in the Packers' victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5.

Packers need to start Carrington Valentine ahead of Eric Stokes moving forward

Carrington Valentine missed two games due to injury before returning against the Rams, and Alexander has missed the previous two contests. When everyone is healthy, the Packers have an easy decision.

They need to start Alexander and Valentine on the outside.

It appeared they were heading in that direction in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts. Valentine replaced Stokes in the lineup in the second half, and Stokes only took the spot back when Valentine limped off with an injury late in the fourth quarter.

Valentine has played considerably fewer snaps than Stokes this season, but he has only allowed two receptions for 25 yards. Matthew Stafford rarely looked his way in Week 5, with most of his success coming against Stokes. Valentine allowed a passer rating of just 39.6 compared to 120.8 for Stokes.

Until Alexander returns from injury, Stokes will resume his starting role. But once the Packers are back to full strength in the secondary, they need to replace Stokes in the lineup. Quarterbacks continue to target him, and he hasn't provided enough consistency.

An ideal starting trio is Alexander and Valentine on the outside, with Javon Bullard in the slot, even if the Packers are reluctant to reduce Keisean Nixon's snaps.

The Packers didn't pick up Stokes' fifth-year option, which means he will become a free agent in the offseason. He hasn't made the start he would've hoped for, and Green Bay may have no choice but to bench him once Alexander returns.

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