(LEARFIELD) – The Packers placed linebacker Edgerrin Cooper on injured reserve after he tore his Achilles Sunday against Tampa Bay, ending his season.
Green Bay filled the vacancy by signing veteran Kristian Welch from the practice squad.
Welch brings 81 career games and nearly 1,500 special teams snaps, giving the Packers flexibility to ease starter Isaiah McDuffie’s workload.
McDuffie and Zaire Franklin remain the starters, with Ty’Ron Hopper backing them up and Welch and Nick Niemann handling special teams.
The Packers also returned running back Damon Bankston to the practice squad, and with Chris Brooks dealing with an ankle injury, Bankston or Pierre Strong Jr. could be elevated this week.
Offense ready to roll? The Packers continue working their new offensive linemen into the flow of things.
Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenovich talked about working Kevin Zeitler into the right guard slot
Stenovich talked about what it’s like to have a reliable offensive line.
Stenovich discussed the team’s problem with fumbles and drops.
Stenovich also took a look at the Bears defense.
He said that they have watched and rewatched tape of last years playoff game.
Did that final Bears game affect their off-season approach?
Stenovich said that he senses the offense is close.
To the defense: Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon was asked how much did they look at playoff game last year in Chicago and apply it to this year.
With Edgerin Cooper now on the injured list, Gannon was asked how one replaces him.
Gannon said that it helps having Zaire Franklin next to whoever replaces Cooper.
How can they use other players at other positions to replace Cooper?
Evan Williams played a key role in the Packers defense against Tampa Bay, making an impact in the blitz package which he initially wasn’t part of.
Gannon said that Ty’Ron Hopper could play more with Cooper sidelined.
As for the Bears, Gannon said that Chicago is capable of controlling the game with the running game.
Kickoff: The Packers and Bears will kickoff at noon on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
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