The Green Bay Packers made three different roster moves before facing the Minnesota Vikings on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 17. The team announced the following moves on Saturday: Eric Stokes to injured reserve, Benny Sapp III to the 53-man roster and Bo Melton elevated from the practice squad to the gameday roster.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the three roster moves:
Placed CB Eric Stokes on injured reserve
If Eric Stokes didn’t have bad injury luck, he’d have no luck at all. Stokes, who has played in just three games since November of 2022, suffered another hamstring injury and was ruled out of Week 17 earlier on Saturday. Now, he’s back on injured reserve. Stokes missed the first five games while on the PUP list and then missed seven more games while on injured reserve after he injured his hamstring during his first game back in October. Going back on injured reserve ends Stokes’ 2023 season. He played all of 110 defensive snaps and four special teams snaps. During each of the last two games, Stokes gave up at least one touchdown pass. It’s clear last season’s knee and foot injuries drastically altered the path of his young career.
Signed S Benny Sapp III from practice squad
An open roster spot created by Stokes going on injured reserve cleared the way for the Packers to sign Benny Sapp III, who has been elevated from the practice squad three times and needed to be signed to the active roster to play again for the Packers in 2023. The rookie safety has played 26 snaps on special teams and three on defense this season. Last week, he blew up a blocker and forced a holding penalty on the opening kickoff, earning recognition from Matt LaFleur in the victorious post-game locker room. Expect to see Sapp on kickoff coverage and kickoff return this week against the Vikings. He also adds depth at safety, where Darnell Savage is questionable to play.
Elevated WR Bo Melton from practice squad
This will be Bo Melton’s third and final elevation from the practice squad. Over the last two weeks, Melton caught five passes for 51 yards and ran once for seven yards. Four of his five catches have gained first downs, including a key third down in the first half last week in Carolina. Melton has also played 11 snaps on special teams. With Christian Watson doubtful and Dontayvion Wicks questionable, expect to see Melton playing snaps at receiver on Sunday night. He’s quickly become a trusted target for Jordan Love.
What else to know
Losing Stokes (injured reserve) and Jaire Alexander (suspension) means the Packers will turn back to Carrington Valentine and Corey Ballentine on the outside at cornerback. They will face Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and K.J. Osborn, one of the NFL’s best receiver trios. The Packers did not activate tight end Luke Musgrave, running back Emanuel Wilson or offensive tackle Luke Tenuta, three players designated to return from injured reserve. All three were listed as doubtful to play. The Packers have an open roster spot but it’s possible it will go unfilled until Alexander returns next week.
