Eric Stokes, a cornerback with the Green Bay Packers, has had a difficult couple of seasons.
Stokes had a difficult opening to the 2022 season following a strong debut campaign, and he eventually sustained a serious injury. Due to persistent hamstring problems, he played very little last season, which is why the Packers rejected his fifth-year option.
They still have faith in Stokes, though, as evidenced by their lack of urgency in making a move at cornerback this offseason. They think he can return to his best and—most importantly—continue to remain healthy.
After spending some time this offseason at Badger Athletic Performance, Stokes disclosed specifics about his injuries. The Green Bay Press-Gazette’s Ryan Wood reports that Stokes’ foot “wasn’t strong enough to support” his hamstring, which could have contributed to the injury problems.
Head coach Matt LaFleur is thrilled about the prospect of using intelligence to help Stokes maintain his health.
Matt LaFleur of the Packers claims Eric Stokes looks better than ever.
Other than Jaire Alexander, Stokes, and Carrington Valentine, the Packers have no other options at outside corner. While Valentine is a seventh-round pick going into his second season, Alexander and Stokes have had difficulty staying healthy in recent years.
The good news is that Stokes appears healthier than ever, according to LaFleur.
He’s the best I’ve ever seen, in my opinion. On the field as well as mentally,” LaFleur remarked. “I truly mean that, but I want to temper expectations with that. He competes every single day out there. He appears to be in good health. He’s constantly in a terrific phase, he’s challenging our wide receivers admirably, and I believe you can see that his personality is returning.”
Stokes should be able to take part in training camp and the rest of the offseason schedule. He had to spend that entire summer healing from an injury, and each time he went back, something went wrong fast. It is hoped that those worries are now behind us.
As a rookie, Stokes allowed a completion percentage slightly below fifty, but he still showed promise with fourteen pass defenses. Look out if the Packers can get both a healthy Alexander and that version of Stokes. In addition to the improvements at safety, Green Bay would have a very talented secondary.
Though there is still much to be done, the initial indications are positive. While LaFleur made major adjustments to his strength and conditioning staff, the Packers went to considerable measures to determine the underlying reason of the hamstring injuries suffered by Christian Watson and Stokes. With any luck, such moves will improve the roster’s injury luck.
