Packers CB Eric Stokes will be activated from PUP to play vs Broncos
The Green Bay Packers are activating third-year CB Eric Stokes from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and he is slated to make his season debut against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, according to Sports Illustrated's reporter Bill Huber. Stokes hasn't played since week 9 of last season, when he suffered serious knee and […]
The Green Bay Packers are activating third-year CB Eric Stokes from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and he is slated to make his season debut against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, according to Sports Illustrated's reporter Bill Huber.
Stokes hasn't played since week 9 of last season, when he suffered serious knee and ankle injuries. He was initially expected to be ready by week 1, but hamstring and foot issues delayed his recovery.
“I’ve just got to get there,” Stokes said on Friday about his recovery process. “It’s just the point of me being 100% sure with everything that’s going on. It’s being smart, being safe because it’s a long season. I think we still got like 11, 12 games after this, so it’s still a long season ahead.”
Stokes' return comes at an ideal moment, because Packers star cornerback Jaire Alexander is questionable to play on Sunday with a back injury. Presumably, Stokes could start opposite Rasul Douglas if Jaire isn't available.
The Packers opened Stokes' 21-day practice window last week. For him to play, they had to activate him on the 53-man roster, so they released edge defender Justin Hollins.
Eric Stokes had a promising rookie season in 2021, when he was the primary corner for most of the season – Jaire missed three quarters of that year with a shoulder injury. He finished the season with a 66.3 PFF grade.
Last year, though, his performance wasn't as good, and he had a 53.7 PFF grade. And there was another issue: when Stokes, Alexander, and Douglas are all available, Rasul was forced to play in the slot. His performance inside wasn't good, and he played well again once Stokes got injured.
Now, Douglas has been the Packers best corner. When the three are healthy at the same time, Stokes may be forced to compete with Keisean Nixon for the job in the slot.
Defensive coordinator Joe Barry classified it as a "champagne problem", because it's an opportunity to create competition and define a solution among talented players.
Where will the Packers play Eric Stokes when he’s back?
Jaire Alexander and Rasul Douglas have been the outside corners for Green Bay
