As the Green Bay Packers get ready to begin mandatory training camp, there is a level of excitement surrounding the team that has not been present in a number of years. Of course, this excitement comes from Jordan Love taking over at quarterback and the young, inexperienced, yet promising group of pass catchers.
Of course, this excitement also comes with a great deal of uncertainty. Indeed, no one knows for sure how well the team will play until game action begins. There is also some uncertainty due to the injury status of several key players. One of these is 2021 first round draft pick Eric Stokes, who will start training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Green Bay Packers Cornerback Eric Stokes Is Still Recovering from a Broken Ankle
After a spectacular rookie season, Stokes got off to a slow start in 2022. Before he was able to right the ship, he suffered a terrible ankle injury in Week Six against the Detroit Lions. He missed the rest of the season and, it sounds like, will likely be out to start the 2023 season.
Back in OTA’s, defensive coordinator Joe Barry said the following regarding Stokes’ status for 2023:
“Eric had a pretty substantial injury. He’s on the road to recovery. He’s been in the building every single day. It’s great to just see him walking around and being here. Next time I talk to you, hopefully I’ll have a little bit more to report on, but we’ll see where he goes day to day.
“On Monday when we start OTAs, with Eric not even being able to practice, we feel like we’ve got two pretty good outside corners in Ja and Rasul, and then Keisean — he played about 400 snaps for us last year on defense, predominantly at the nickel corner spot — so when we break the huddle Monday, he’ll be there.”
Stokes being placed on the PUP list confirms the dire news from OTA’s. His recovery is a long process. Fortunately, Green Bay has Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas, and Keisean Nixon to pick up the slack in Stokes’ absence.
To be sure, though, the Packers will be a much better defensive team when Stokes is back 100%. That being said, one has to wonder if he will have the same burst of speed that made him such a good defender prior to his injury.
The Packers will certainly hope so, which is why they are allowing his recovery to proceed at its own pace. They need the old Stokes back, no matter when that might be.
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