By admin 
The Green Bay Packers‘ 17-14 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn’t feel much like a win, for multiple reasons. However, a devastating injury to linebacker Edgerrin Cooper is probably the darkest cloud hanging over the team heading into Week 5.
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Cooper left the game early in the second half with an Achilles injury, and the Packers fear he may be lost for the remainder of the season. When asked if Cooper had suffered a torn Achilles, head coach Matt LaFleur said he “would suspect that, yes.”
Before leaving the game, Cooper was having arguably his best performance of the season, posting nine tackles, a sack, and an interception. Meanwhile, he was on pace for a breakout campaign, recording 30 tackles (18 solo), three sacks, and an interception over four games.
If Cooper’s injury is confirmed to be a torn Achilles, the recovery time averages between nine and 12 months.
Edgerrin Cooper’s Teammates Stunned By Potential Season-Ending Injury
With news that Cooper was likely lost for the season, vibes in the Packers locker room were understandably low despite Sunday’s win. Afterward, his teammates spoke candidly about how important he is to their success.
Safety Evan Williams said the victory was soured due to Cooper’s injury, calling him a tone-setter for the entire team.
“It definitely dumbs it down a little bit, the thrill of a win,” Williams said via Ryan Wood of USA Today. “Just because I feel like you guys all know what he means to this team, what he means to this defense. He’s somebody that sets a tone in every game.”
Meanwhile, wide receiver Christian Watson called it a “huge loss — on and off the field.”
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“I’m devastated for him,” Watson said via Weston Hodkiewicz. “I know he’ll shake back. I know how he approaches work each and every day. Just gotta keep him in my prayers, and we’re gonna find a way to get it done for him.”
Meanwhile, veteran Isaiah McDuffie, who replaced Cooper following the injury, said it’s the worst part of the game.
“It’s terrible — guys going down, your brothers going down,” McMcDuffie said via Ryan Wood of USA Today. “I hate to see that, and I just feel for him.”
What’s the Packers’ Plan at LB Moving Forward Without Edgerrin Cooper?
For now, it appears that Isaiah McMcDuffie will be the next man up, with Cooper likely out for the year. In relief of Cooper on Sunday, he posted four tackles (one solo) and briefly left the game with an eye injury.
Mainly a special teams contributor, McMcDuffie played in 45 percent of the Packers’ defensive snaps in 2025, recording 92 tackles (47 solo), three tackles for loss, a sack and an interception. He also has the backing of teammates like Zaire Franklin, who praised the sixth-year veteran’s abilities.
“McDuffie stepped up in a major way. That’s who he is; that’s who he’s been his entire career; that’s why he has a C on his chest,” Franklin said via Ryan Wood of USA Today. “He’s going to be a special player; he’s going to make plays when we need him to.”
McMcDuffie is likely to get the first shot in place of Cooper, but if he struggles, Ty’Ron Hopper would be next in line, if the Packers don’t look for outside help. The 2024 third-round pick has played just 145 defensive snaps for the Packers over 36 games.
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This story was originally published October 4, 2026 at 3:21 PM.