The Green Bay Packers have the pieces in place to have one of the best defenses in the NFL. However, it is anyone’s guess when some of those key components will be on the field as they recover from serious injuries suffered last season.
All eyes will be on pass rusher Rashan Gary and cornerback Eric Stokes throughout training camp. How their rehabs progress will be key to the team’s defense as they are once again expected to play major roles.
Both players were injured in Week 9 last season against the Detroit Lions. Gary tore his ACL while Stokes had to undergo a procedure on his foot and knee. Being on the field in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears is the goal for both players, but they need to get cleared for some practice time during training camp first.
Right now, both players are on the physically unable to perform list to start camp. But, head coach Matt LaFleur is optimistic that Gary and Stokes will be activated off the list at some point during training camp.
“I think we’re hopeful (they’ll be back during training camp),” LaFleur said Tuesday. “They’ve done an outstanding job, and Flea (Bryan Engel) and his staff have done a great job of rehabbing them. The way they’ve attacked it, the work they’ve put in, it’s evident, you can see it. They’re doing really well. The plan the whole time was to, when they get in here, to put them on PUP. We’ll see how fast we can get them off. Provided there are no setbacks, I would see them eventually coming off.”
General manager Brian Gutekunst also expressed optimism that Gary and Stokes will be able to return, but the Packers aren’t going to rush things. Patience will be preached as the team wants to ensure there are no setbacks and each player can remain healthy for the long haul.
Since both players were placed on the PUP list at the start of training camp, they can be activated at any time upon being ready. If they are unable to show progress during training camp and are kept on the PUP list heading into the regular season, they will be sidelined for at least the first four weeks.
That is something the Packers would like to avoid, as Gary and Stokes play prominent roles on defense. However, if they end up needing some more rehab time, the team certainly isn’t going to push things as both are also important to the long-term success of the franchise.