NFL

Packers place Edgerrin Cooper on injured reserve, promote Kristian Welch

Green Bay moved Cooper to injured reserve after a season-ending Achilles injury and added Welch from the practice squad to its active roster.

Edgerrin Cooper runs with the football with a Tampa Bay player behind him.
Edgerrin Cooper runs with the ball during Green Bay's October 4, 2026 game at Tampa Bay. Photo: Evan Siegle / Packers.com. · Credit: Evan Siegle / Packers.com

The Green Bay Packers placed linebacker Edgerrin Cooper on injured reserve and signed Kristian Welch from the practice squad to the active roster Tuesday, October 6, the team announced.

Cooper’s season is over because of an Achilles injury, according to Packers.com’s Monday report. He was injured during Green Bay’s 17-14 victory at Tampa Bay on Sunday.

The Packers identified Isaiah McDuffie and Ty’Ron Hopper as the next options at linebacker. Packers.com also highlighted veteran Zaire Franklin’s leadership as the defense adjusts.

Green Bay also signed rookie running back Damon Bankston to the practice squad Tuesday. Bankston, who finished his college career at New Mexico, spent the first three weeks of this season on the Packers’ practice squad.

Sources and notes

  1. Green Bay Packers: https://www.packers.com/news/packers-place-lb-edgerrin-cooper-on-injured-reserve-oct-6-2026
  2. Mike Spofford / Packers.com: https://www.packers.com/news/lb-edgerrin-cooper-is-tough-one-to-lose-for-packers-oct-5-2026
  3. Tom Silverstein / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: https://eu.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2026/10/06/packers-edgerrin-cooper-goes-on-injured-reserve-kristian-welch-signed/92125046007/