The Packers 2024 rookie class has had a tough time staying on the field. The injury bug has staged an aggressive attack on the Packers rookies. First round pick Jordan Morgan, second round pick Edgerrin Cooper, and both third round picks, Marshawn Lloyd and Ty’Ron Hopper have all dealt with injuries. The various injuries has cost the rookie class valuable reps.
Marshawn Lloyd, the running back from USC, has had the worst of it. Lloyd missed the first week of training camp due to a hip injury. After battling through that, Lloyd sustained a hamstring injury against the Browns this past Saturday. The hamstring has caused Lloyd to miss two practices thus far this week. According to Matt LaFleur, the Packers plan to be cautious with Lloyd so it might be some time before he returns. Green Bay did sign RB Nate McCrary to address the injury hole in the running back room.
Green Bay did receive some good news this week. The Packers first round pick, offensive lineman from Arizona, Jordan Morgan, did return to practice on Tuesday. Morgan missed the majority of last week due to a shoulder injury. Morgan is currently in a tight battle with Sean Rhyan for the starting right guard spot. Missing any time could cost Morgan the job.
The Rookies Need the Reps
It might not matter over time but the Packers will count on these rookies to contribute. Dealing with injuries in camp and preseason games, is costly for their development. LaFleur preaches the importance of stacking reps. With the amount of transition and learning going on, the on-field reps help rookies connect the dots.
Linebackers Edgerrin Cooper and Ty’Ron Hopper both have injury concerns. Hopper did return to practice this week. Cooper is still recovering from a groin injury. Cooper is expected to see significant playing time for the Packers. He needs to experience game reps against another team. Cooper missed the Browns game and appears to be on track to miss a second straight game against the Broncos. The groin injury may cause the Packers to be more cautious with how much the team plans to rely on Cooper early on this season.
The Packers rookie offensive lineman Jacob Monk did drop out of practice on Tuesday. However, he did return on Wednesday. Monk was impressive against the Browns. He played aggressively and his quickness was on full display. It is a good sign that he is back on the practice field.
The positive note is all of these injuries are not major. It is certainly better to miss time before the season as opposed to during the season. However, missing valuable reps, especially in preseason games, is not ideal for the Packers rookies. Hopefully, the recovery for Lloyd and Cooper go smoothly so that these two can return sooner rather than later.
