Packers Place Cooper on IR, Sign Welch and Bankston
The Green Bay Packers placed linebacker Edgerrin Cooper on injured reserve following a season-ending Achilles injury. General Manager Brian Gutekunst announced the move on Tuesday, simultaneously signing linebacker Kristian Welch to the active roster and running back Damon Bankston to the practice squad. Cooper, who suffered the injury during a 17-14 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, had recorded nine tackles, a sack, and an interception before being carted off the field. The team now faces a significant defensive adjustment, with analysts noting the loss of their best available defender while star linebacker Micah Parsons remains out with an ACL injury. Bankston, a rookie from the University of New Mexico, rejoins Green Bay after previously spending three weeks on their practice squad this season.