Packers' Edgerrin Cooper Tore His Achilles in Week 4 Against Buccaneers

The Green Bay Packers suffered another major injury, as star linebacker Edgerrin Cooper is out for the season after tearing his Achilles. 

This is a major loss for the Packers' defense, as Cooper was having a breakout season after already playing well in his first two seasons. In his rookie campaign in 2024, he had 87 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, four pass deflections, an interception, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.

Cooper had another strong season in 2025, recording 118 total tackles, four tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, four pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.

The 24-year-old was on track for career numbers, as he had 30 total tackles, six tackles for loss, a pass deflection, and an interception. Cooper was arguably the best player on Green Bay's defense, with superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons still out with a torn ACL.

Injuries to the Packers' best players keep piling up, with wide receiver Jayden Reed, right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele, and now Cooper out for the season. Without them on the field, it will be difficult for Green Bay to make a Super Bowl run.

The Packers are off to a 2-2 start to the season, but it will be an uphill climb to win the NFC North and get into the postseason, as the Minnesota Vikings are 4-0, the Chicago Bears are 3-1, and the Detroit Lions are 2-2.

Green Bay is in their Super Bowl window with Parsons and Jordan Love on the roster, but with the injuries stacking up and the early season struggles, it will be difficult to even make it into the playoffs.

With Cooper out, Jonathan Gannon's defense will lean on Zaire Franklin and Isaiah McDuffie to play at a high level. Franklin has 29 total tackles and a tackle for loss this season, while McDuffie has 11 total tackles and a tackle for loss.

McDuffie's role will be elevated in Cooper's absence, and while he's not a star, he has been a solid depth player over the years. 

The Packers have a pivotal Week 5 matchup against the Bears, who will be without starting quarterback Caleb Williams. It's important for Green Bay to capitalize and win their division games, as it will give them a shot and making it back to the playoffs.

While there were some positives from the Packers' win over the Buccaneers, losing Cooper is a brutal blow to their defense and to their chances of being a Super Bowl contender.