Packers Place Cooper on IR, Sign Welch and Bankston

Key points

• Edgerrin Cooper was placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn Achilles tendon during the Week 4 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
• Linebacker Kristian Welch was signed from the practice squad to the active roster to address defensive depth issues.
• Running back Damon Bankston was signed to the practice squad; he is a 5-foot-10, 196-pound rookie from the University of New Mexico.
• Bankston previously spent the first three weeks of the season on the Packers' practice squad before being released and later re-signed.
• The transactions were officially announced by General Manager Brian Gutekunst on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

Background

The injury to Cooper occurred during a 17-14 win over the Buccaneers, where he was carted off in the third quarter. Prior to the injury, the Packers had faced a depleted defensive line, including the injured reserve placement of defensive tackle Warren Brinson. Cooper had been cleared from concussion protocol before the game but suffered the new injury. The team had previously struggled with offensive execution, including penalties and dropped passes, during the same game.

How outlets are covering it

Packers.com reported the transaction details and player statistics, focusing on the administrative moves and Bankston's college career stats, including 2,959 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns. PackersNews.com emphasized the strategic impact of Cooper's injury, describing him as the team's best defensive player in the absence of Micah Parsons. The outlet noted that the loss disrupts the planned defensive identity, as Cooper and Parsons were expected to form a fast, explosive duo in the front seven. While Packers.com highlighted the roster additions, PackersNews.com focused on the defensive void left by Cooper's season-ending injury.

Why it matters

The loss of Edgerrin Cooper significantly impacts the Packers' defensive strategy, forcing them to rely more heavily on safeties and other linebackers. The signing of Kristian Welch provides immediate depth, while the return of Damon Bankston to the practice squad offers a potential future option for the running back position. These moves are critical as the team navigates a season with multiple key injuries, including Micah Parsons' ACL issue, and aims to maintain competitive balance in the NFC North.

What to watch

The Packers will monitor the progress of Kristian Welch as he transitions to the active roster. Damon Bankston will compete for a spot on the active roster during the season. The team will also evaluate the long-term impact of Cooper's injury on their defensive scheme and may explore further roster adjustments to address depth issues in the front seven.