Green Bay Packers star linebacker Edgerrin Cooper was carted off the field in the third quarter after a non-contact Achilles injury against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Packers will hope it is not a ruptured Achilles for Cooper, but it didn't look good on the field.

The 24-year-old was having an incredible performance against the Bucs, as he had nine total tackles, a sack, a pass deflection, and an interception before exiting.

Cooper is one of the best players on Green Bay's defense and has taken another step in the 2026 season. In his rookie season in 2024, he recorded 87 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, four pass deflections, an interception, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. 

He played at a high level again in 2025, finishing with 118 total tackles, four tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, four pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. 

While these are quality numbers, Cooper was on pace for a career year in 2026, as he had 30 total tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, a pass deflection, and an interception through four games.

Cooper was one of Green Bay's defensive leaders, and without him, they will need their depth to step up. 

Zaire Franklin is the linebacker who plays next to Cooper, and he will continue in that role as Isaiah McDuffie takes over Cooper's.

Franklin was an offseason acquisition, and he now plays a more important role in the Packers' defense. Through the first three games, he recorded 21 total tackles and a tackle for loss.

McDuffie hasn't seen a ton of time on the field in 2026, but he's recorded seven total tackles and a tackle for loss in three games. In 2025, he finished with 92 total tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, and a pass deflection.

Franklin and McDuffie will be key pieces at inside linebacker for Green Bay's defense for the rest of the season if Cooper is out long-term.

This is a major loss for a Packers defense that is already without superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons, who has not played this season as he continues to recover from a torn ACL.

Green Bay will need their depth to step up and play at a high level if they're going to be a playoff team and compete for a division title. The Packers will also hope to receive a positive update on Cooper's injury and that he'll be able to play again this season.