Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper injured his hamstring during Wednesday’s practice, which led to Thursday’s absence, and there is now legitimate concern that Cooper won’t be available for Sunday’s showdown with the San Francisco 49ers.
LaFleur wasn’t ready to rule out Cooper for Sunday and wants to first see how he feels Friday. The Packers will release a final injury report with playing status designations on Friday afternoon.
“We’ll see, we’ll see how he’s feeling tomorrow,” LaFleur said.
Cooper, a second-round pick of Texas A&M, has played at least 30 snaps on defense in six straight games. His speed and blitzing ability have provided playmaking production from the second level for the Packers defense.
Among rookies, Cooper ranks sixth in “stops,” a tackle that creates a failure for the offense based on down and distance. He also has 2.5 sacks, including a strip-sack, plus a fumble recovery.
The Packers have veteran options available at linebacker if Cooper can’t go. Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie and Eric Wilson would be the primary linebackers if Cooper isn’t available.