Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes still isn’t ready to come off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to start the final week of training camp, and coach Matt LaFleur wasn’t comfortable putting a timeline on his return with 53-man roster cutdowns approaching.
Asked if Stokes could start the season on the PUP list, LaFleur wouldn’t answer.
“That’s out of my wheelhouse,” LaFleur said before Monday’s practice.
Stokes, a 2021 first-round pick, suffered significant knee and foot injuries during a loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 9 of last season, missed the rest of the year and the offseason workout program after needing surgeries to repair both injuries, and has been on the PUP list throughout training camp.
The Packers finish the preseason by hosting the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday at Lambeau Field. By next Tuesday, the Packers’ roster must be trimmed to 53 players. Because Stokes started training camp on the PUP list, he is eligible to start the regular season on the PUP list, which would require missing a minimum of four games. He wouldn’t count against the 53-man roster if moved to the reserve/PUP list to open the season.
A roster spot would be available at cornerback if Stokes isn’t ready. Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas, Keisean Nixon and rookie Carrington Valentine are the top four cornerbacks entering the final week of training camp, and Corey Ballentine, Innis Gaines (slot), Kiondre Thomas and William Hooper are among the players competing for a roster spot at corner.
