One of the biggest frustrations for Green Bay Packers fans during the 2024 NFL season was the lack of playing time given to second round pick Edgerrin Cooper. When he was on the field, it was obvious that Cooper made the entire defense better, yet he only played 55% of the defensive snaps.
Despite his limited playing time, and the fact that he missed four games due to injury, Cooper was able to rack up 87 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, an interception, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
In addition to the stats, Cooper was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week twice, and NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month for December/January.
Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst Reveals What Edgerrin Cooper Must Do to See the Field More
Speaking with reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst answered a question regarding Cooper and his 2024 season/playing time with the following:
“Like all of our young guys, but Edgerrin’s no exception, is just continue to understand that we’re basically in a 20-game-plus season, and how you have to prepare not only physically but mentally to handle those challenges.
“After the guys get through their first year, there’s a big exhale. And then there’s an understanding of what this is, and what I’ve got to do to play at my best week in and week out, and get myself the best chance to stay healthy. That’s part of it.”
Gutekunst mentioned that the hip injury Cooper suffered during the offseason that kept him out of much of training camp played a factor in his diminished playing time to start the season. Since he was a rookie, they did not want to rush him out onto the field more than they felt they had to.
Hopefully, he will be able to avoid injury this offseason and will be able to be on the field far more often in 2025. As Gutekunst said, “When he was on the field, he was dynamic and it changed our football team.”
More Green Bay Packers News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- Packers GM Brian Gutekunst Breaks Silence on Keisean Nixon’s CB1 Aspirations
- Breaking: Packers Lose Offensive Coach to College Ranks
- Packers GM Brian Gutekunst Gives Discouraging Update on Jayden Reed Injury
- Packers Fans Confused by Player Brian Gutekunst Wants Signed to an Extension
- Packers GM Brian Gutekunst Gives Cryptic Answer to WR1 Question
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here.
