After four snaps, Packers to place Eric Stokes on IR
Eric Stokes missed almost one calendar year to recover from knee and ankle injuries he suffered in week 9 of last year. He was finally back on the field last Sunday, to play against the Denver Broncos. But all it took was four special teams snaps, and he's hurt once again. According to Green Bay […]
Eric Stokes missed almost one calendar year to recover from knee and ankle injuries he suffered in week 9 of last year. He was finally back on the field last Sunday, to play against the Denver Broncos. But all it took was four special teams snaps, and he's hurt once again.
According to Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, the third-year cornerback will go on injured reserve because of a hamstring injury. He played exclusively on special teams, and didn't record a single defensive snap on Sunday.
Going on IR means Stokes will miss at least four more games. Asked if he expects the cornerback to be back this season, LaFleur said he "absolutely" does.
"I know he's extremely disappointed", the coach mentioned. "And we are disappointed for him. That's a long road to recovery, and to get out there and play four snaps."
Roster shakeup
The Packers made a series of roster moves on their secondary on Wednesday because of injuries.
Safety Darnell Savage and Stokes were placed on IR. To replace them on the active 53-man roster, the Packers have signed cornerbacks Corey Ballentine, from their own practice squad, and Robert Rochell, from the Carolina Panthers' PS.
In addition to that, they signed former New York Giants cornerback Zyon Gilbert to their practice squad.
The good news is Jaire Alexander, who has missed three games this season because of a back injury, was back at practice. Off-ball linebacker De'Vondre Campbell was at practice, too, as he was by the end of last week. He's still recovering from a high ankle sprain.
Offensive injuries
The Packers are also handling injuries on the offensive side of the ball. The relief is wide receiver Christian Watson, who left the Broncos game with a knee injury, practiced. His exams came back clean, and it's not a serious issue.
On the other hand, running back Aaron Jones is still not 100%.
"He's just a little bit sore," LaFleur said after Jones didn't practice on Wednesday. "Hopefully we can ramp him up and get him more snaps out there".
Jones played 23 snaps on Sunday, with 11 touches, while AJ Dillon had 36 snaps.
Tight end Luke Musgrave, with an ankle injury, and center Josh Myers missed practice as well.
Wide receiver Jayden Reed and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt participated in Wednesday's activities.
Packers place Darnell Savage on injured reserve
Safety will miss at least four games
