Rookie linebacker expected to return to the Packers’ lineup in Seattle

Following a three-game absence, the Packers are anticipating Edgerrin Cooper to be back at their disposal against the Seahawks this week.

GREEN BAY, Wis. — By the time the Packers’ defense takes the field for Sunday night’s primetime bout against the Seahawks, they should have rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper at their disposal for the first time since Nov. 17.

The second-round pick suffered a hamstring pull against the Bears and has been shelved ever since. He’s been out of action for just south of a month, missing the Packers’ last three games in a stretch that saw them emerge with a 2-1 record. They’re currently positioned as the No. 6 seed in the NFC’s playoff picture and are essentially almost guaranteed a spot in the postseason.

The Packers were just beginning to integrate Cooper into the defensive lineup on a full-time basis before his injury. Cooper, who has played in 10 games in his rookie season, has ascended seemingly on a weekly basis. He played a season-high 51 defensive snaps against the Bears and surpassed 60 percent of the defense’s total snap share in each of his last five games. Assuming he isn’t going to be on a snap count—which may not be a concern considering he ended the week without a status designation on the Packers’ final injury report—he should be hovering around that number once again in Seattle.

Cooper told PackersNews.com on Thursday that the plan is for him to play against the Seahawks. Barring any setbacks, the Packers will likely continue deploying Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie and Cooper in their 4-3 defensive front.

In the three games prior to his injury, Cooper logged one sack, a forced fumble, one pass break-up and 13 tackles. He also accounted for seven stops, which is defined by Pro Football Focus as “a tackle that constitutes a failure for the offense.” For the season, Cooper has 2.5 sacks, 52 tackles, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

“He was doing a really good job,” said head coach Matt LaFleur on Friday. “It’s going to be great to get him back out there. He obviously brings an element in terms of just his speed and athleticism—it adds another dimension to our defense.”

He became the first Packers rookie to earn NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors since Clay Matthews in 2009 for his efforts in the team’s Oct. 27 win over the Jaguars. In his 34 defensive snaps, Cooper flashed the quickness and tenacity that made him such a coveted prospect in the spring, recording eight tackles, a critical third-down pass break-up and a strip-sack of Trevor Lawrence—both of which came in the fourth quarter.

Related Posts

Bіllѕ’ Seаn McDermott reveаlѕ why he wаntѕ Tuѕh Puѕh bаnned аfter Howіe Roѕemаn ѕpаt

Bills HC Sean McDermott gives his reasoning for anti-tush push stance following his reportedly animated exchange with Eagles brass

Ex-49erѕ QB Trey Lаnce Getѕ Surprіѕіng & Potentіаlly New Cаreer Lіfelіne

QB Trey Lance faces an uncertain future as an unsigned free agent. Discover what the CFL could mean for his career.

‘Reаlly Comfortаble Wіth Beіng Unѕettled’: Mіke Tomlіn Not Worrіed About QB Uncertаіnty Rіght Now

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin says he’s uncomfortable being unsettled on the roster this time of year, especially at QB.

New Orleаnѕ Sаіntѕ loѕt out on All-Pro defender іn NFL free аgency becаuѕe of lаѕt-mіnute offer

Early in NFL free agency, the New Orleans Saints were reportedly poached from landing All-Pro defensive back Charvarius Ward.

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst confirms that Elgton Jenkins will move to center

The widely-expected position switch is now confirmed.

BREAKING: Buffаlo Bіllѕ’ Joѕh Allen reveаlѕ а bіg ѕecret he’ѕ been keepіng from hіѕ teаm.

In a recent conversation, Allen shared that he has hidden important information about his health condition that only he and a few relatives know. According to