Packers draft class struggles with something the players can't control

The Green Bay Packers had a long, 11-player draft class in 2024. It's just how general manager Brian Gutekunst has operated lately, and it makes sense to add a high number of players to the roster to see who will be better based on how unpredictable the process is. And the decision to add so […]

Wendell Ferreira — NFL News Writer
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MarShawn Lloyd
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The Green Bay Packers had a long, 11-player draft class in 2024. It's just how general manager Brian Gutekunst has operated lately, and it makes sense to add a high number of players to the roster to see who will be better based on how unpredictable the process is.

And the decision to add so many bodies has been proven correct, especially because four of them have struggles with injuries.

Not only the injuries themselves are reason for concern, but the missed reps and preseason games hinder the players' development plans. Being an NFL rookie is already a difficult task, having to learn more complex systems and adjusting to a higher level of competition.

Check out who the injured rookies are:

RG Jordan Morgan

Morgan injured his shoulder last week during practice and missed the game against the Cleveland Browns, which forced the Packers to start Sean Rhyan at right guard. Head coach Matt LaFleur had said Morgan would miss a week or so, therefore he might soon be back.

The problem is that it's unclear if he will play against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, especially because starters are not expected to be on the field, and even against the Baltimore Ravens on August 24. That scenario could make his first NFL action be in Brazil, against the Philadelphia Eagles in the regular season opener. Hopefully, though, the Packers would be able to get him some previous playing time.

LB Edgerrin Cooper

The off-ball linebacker handled a hip injury early in camp. He came back, but he is now with a groin issue that made him miss the first preseason action. Cooper hasn't had many reps with the ones since OTAs and throughout training camp, so it's getting harder and harder to project a big impact early on from the rookie. So far, Quay Walker and Isaiah McDuffie have been the starting linebacker duo, with veteran Eric Wilson getting in when the defense plays base.

RB MarShawn Lloyd

Lloyd was the third running back in the rotation on Saturday. He had a short reception and an eight-yard run bouncing around the defense. On this play, though, he injured his hamstring — a problem he had already had earlier in camp.

At this point, it seems likely that his preseason is over. Emanuel Wilson was more impressive on the field, too, so Lloyd's role as a rookie can get diminished.

LB Ty'Ron Hopper

Hopper missed parts of last week with an ankle injury. He dressed for the game on Saturday, but ended up not playing a single snap. Hopper has had some reps with the ones lately, and this can be a bigger role early on, as soon as he can get back from injury in time to show what he's capable of in the last two preseason games.

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