Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper will miss Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers due to a hamstring injury he suffered during Wednesday’s practice.
Cooper, who appeared in all 10 games to start his rookie season, did not practice on Thursday or Friday.
While LaFleur doesn’t think the supple tissue injury will be a long-term issue, it’s possible Cooper will struggle to play next Thursday against the Miami Dolphins after a tiny layoff.
Cornerback Jaire Alexander did not practice at all this week and is not expected to play on Sunday, leaving the Packers defense without two of its preferred starters.
Cooper, a second-round draft pick out of Texas A&M, has played at least 60 percent of the defensive snaps in each of the last five games. His speed and playmaking ability have helped the Packers attack the quarterback more effectively over the last two months. Cooper has had a tackle for loss or hit the quarterback in five of the last eight games.
Without Cooper on Sunday, the Packers will rely on starter Quay Walker and veterans Isaiah McDuff and Eric Wilson at linebacker. McDuffie has appeared in all 10 games this season, and Wilson, who leads the team with seven losses, was instrumental in victories over the Colts and Texans earlier this season.
