Stokes Starts Practicing Following Foot Injury

Stokes had a miserable 2022 season even before the injury. In nine starts, according to Sports Info Solutions and its best guess at coverage responsibilities, he allowed an 80.0 percent catch rate, one touchdown and a 123.5 passer rating. It almost defies belief that Stokes didn’t break up a single pass.

However, Stokes had an All-Rookie-caliber debut season in 2021. With Jaire Alexander sidelined for most of the season, Stokes became Green Bay’s No. 1 corner. He intercepted one pass and finished with 14 passes defensed. Sports Info Solutions charged him with a 46.2 percent completion rate and 5.3 yards per target. Among starting corners, those figures ranked sixth and eighth, respectively.

From a public perspective, two things changed the view on the quality of his rookie season. First, he got torched at Minnesota by Justin Jefferson, though that really was his one bad game. Second, he dropped four interceptions.

Once he’s fully up to speed, just how the Packers will incorporate a healthy Stokes remains to be seen. There’s no reason to switch gears from Jaire Alexander and Rasul Douglas at corner and Keisean Nixon in the slot. However, injuries happen; Carrington Valentine and Corey Ballentine have each played 80 snaps through four games.

“Having a bunch of good players, that’s a good problem. That’s a champagne problem,” defensive coordinator Joe Barry said. “You can never – I’ve stood up here and said it many times – you can never have too many good corners. That’ll be exciting when we get to that.”

A study shows Stokes’ return timeline is right on the historic average.

“You have your frustrating days, but it is what it is,” Stokes said during camp. “That’s what I always tell myself. It is what it is. I know the type of injury I’ve got. I knew everything that comes along with it. It’s been a roller-coaster ride, I ain’t going to lie to you.”