Ty'Ron Hopper and Isaiah McDuffie are changing Packers' linebacker outlook

The Green Bay Packers seemingly had a massive hole at linebacker after losing Edgerrin Cooper and Zaire Franklin to injuries. Surprisingly, though, the defense hasn't missed a beat without their playmakers.

Some of that stems from the fact that veterans such as safety Evan Williams have stepped up during Cooper's and Franklin's absence. However, the biggest reason the Packers have managed to hold the fort is that Isaiah McDuffie and Tyron Hopper have come through.

McDuffie has turned out to be an adequate replacement for Cooper, registering 33 total tackles and one forced fumble in the past four games. Hopper, however, has been even more productive since Franklin fractured his shin during a collision in a Week 7 practice, registering eight total tackles, three passes defensed, and one sack in the Thursday Night Football win over the Carolina Panthers.

Hopper's biggest play of the night, though, was his interception off quarterback Bryce Young.

Isaiah McDuffie and Ty'Ron Hopper are holding the fort for the Packers

Cooper was playing at a Pro Bowl-caliber level before he got hurt. McDuffie hasn't been nearly as dominant, but he has played well enough that the Packers have been able to withstand Cooper's absence.

Green Bay definitely needed Hopper to step up, but you would be hard-pressed to find someone who legitimately believed he would be such a difference-maker on Thursday night.

Keep in mind that Franklin is week-to-week and could return for the Week 9 contest against the New England Patriots. However, the coaching staff may not have to rush him back after watching Hopper dominate in two starts.

Once Franklin is back, though, the Packers will have a good problem. It will be hard not to give Hopper playing time based on how well he's played the past few weeks.

Ty'Ron Hopper gives the Packers enviable depth at linebacker through 2027

Things could change from now to the end of the season, but the Packers should be thrilled about the shape of their linebacker corps beyond 2026. McDuffie, Franklin, Hopper, and Cooper are under contract through 2027, meaning that Green Bay will have all four again for at least another season, barring any roster moves.

That's great news for a Packers team that will be without a first-round pick in 2027 and already has a wide array of needs. Sure, general manager Brian Gutekunst could add depth on Day 3 of the draft, but he will be able to take care of more pressing roster holes.

Circling back to Hopper, he could get a bigger role as the season progresses if he keeps flashing. Who knows? Maybe he could compete for a starting job at one linebacker spot next year if he can keep making plays, like he did against the Panthers.

For the time being, Hopper and McDuffie will continue to hold the fort for a defense that will tentatively get star pass rusher Micah Parsons back for Thanksgiving week.

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