The Green Bay Packers made the unfortunate announcement on Saturday that third-year cornerback Eric Stokes was being added to the injury report and ruled out for Sunday night’s matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. This terrible news came at the end of a week that saw Green Bay suspend Jaire Alexander one game for conduct detrimental to the team. Now, the Packers must face their heated rival, who is also 7-8 and playing for their playoff lives, without their top two cornerbacks.
As if that were not bad enough, the Packers also announced that Stokes will be placed on season-ending injured reserve. With just 12 games played in 2022 and 2023, there are now questions surrounding whether or not Green Bay will pick up his fifth-year option (they have until May to decide).
While unfortunate, fans should not be so quick to blame Stokes. Playing on a rookie contract, the argument cannot be made that he got paid and is now avoiding playing. To be sure, his NFL future is now hanging in the balance. Needless to say, his recovery this offseason will be the key to whatever success he may find in the future.
Related: Green Bay Packers- 2 Important Stats to Know Amidst Shocking Eric Stokes Announcement
While Stokes looks to salvage his future, the Packers need to look to Sunday and the Vikings. With Alexander out due to his suspension, they were lacking in depth at defensive back. They solved that issue by signing a preseason fan-favorite to the 53-man roster.
The Green Bay Packers Sign Benny Sap to the 53-Man Roster to Replace Eric Stokes
To make up for the loss of Stokes (and Alexander), the Packers have signed Benny Sapp to the 53-man roster.
Packers put Eric Stokes on IR, signed Benny Sapp III to the roster and elevated Bo Melton to the gameday roster.
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) December 30, 2023
In addition to this move, wide receiver Bo Melton was elevated from the practice squad. Christian Watson and Dontayvion Wicks are both expected to miss the Vikings game with injuries. Melton had four receptions for 44 yards in the Packers’ win over the Panthers last week.
Sapp has appeared in three games with the Packers already this year. However, he has played just three defensive snaps.
Ironically, Sapp’s father, Benny Sapp Jr., played part of his own eight-year NFL career as a defensive back for the Minnesota Vikings.
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