Tag: Stokes

Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes (21) is carted off the field during the first half against Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Nov. 6, 2022.

Packers decline CB Eric Stokes’ fifth-year option

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Cornerback Eric Stokes can become a free agent in March after the Green Bay Packers declined the 2025 team option in his contract.

Drafted 29th out of Georgia in 2021, Stokes and the Packers could work out a contract extension before the current deal expires. But he’ll likely have some proving to do before general manager Brian Gutekunst floats new paperwork.

Picking up the fifth-year option would’ve been worth only $12.47 million, a relatively light guarantee because he failed to reach the required playing time threshold.

Stokes, identified last week as one of the players standing out in the offseason program by head coach Matt LaFleur, turned in a stellar rookie season in 2021. He played in 16 games, posting 55 tackles and an interception, but injuries limited him to 12 total games the past two seasons. He had surgery following right ankle and knee injuries in Nov. 22 and didn’t appear in a game until Oct. 22 last season.

He was activated from the physically unable to perform list before the October loss to the Broncos, but his return was short-lived because of a hamstring injury. Stokes didn’t suit up again until Dec. 17 and appeared in three regular-season games last season.

The deadline for teams to exercise fifth-year options for 2021 first-rounders was Thursday.

–Field Level Media

Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back CJ Stokes (23) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Transfer Roundup: Michigan RB CJ Stokes enters portal

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Michigan running back CJ Stokes became the first Wolverines player this season to enter his name into the transfer portal.

Stokes, who will have three years of eligibility remaining, announced his decision on X on Monday morning. He had only four carries for eight yards in two games this season.

“I’d like to not only thank Coach Harbaugh and Coach (Mike) Hart, but the whole athletic and academic staff for making by 2 years in Ann Arbor enjoyable,” Stokes wrote. “I was awarded the opportunity of a lifetime to attend the great university and I am forever grateful.

“With that being said, I’d like to announce I’ll be entering the transfer portal.”

Stokes rushed for 273 yards on 55 carries with one touchdown as a true freshman in 2022. However, he saw a very limited workload in a crowded backfield led by Blake Corum along with Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings.

Corum and Edwards are expected to depart for the NFL, but Michigan also has freshmen Benjamin Hall and Cole Cabana along with Leon Franklin and Tavierre Dunlap. Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh could also seek additional backfield help through the transfer portal.

–Michigan State linebacker Jacoby Windmon has entered his name into the transfer portal and will have one year of eligibility remaining as a fifth-year senior.

Windmon joined the Spartans from UNLV following the 2021 season and recorded 49 tackles, including 10.5 tackles loss, along with 5.5 sacks last year. That was despite missing the final four games due to a suspension for his role in a post-game altercation with Michigan players.

Windmon had 15 tackles and a sack before missing the final nine games of this season due to a reported pectoral injury, allowing him to take a redshirt year. Windmon has 233 career tackles in 41 games between his time at UNLV and Michigan State.

–Former Georgia state running back Marcus Carroll announced he will transfer to Missouri after rushing for 1,350 yards and 13 touchdowns on 274 carries this season. A former three-star recruit, Carroll will help fill the void created by departing seniors Cody Schrader and Nathaniel Peat.

–Tennessee cornerback Doneiko Slaughter announced Sunday night that he will leave the program after playing in 43 games over the past four years. He has 87 career tackles, including 32 this season despite missing two games.

“Expressing my gratitude for the tremendous support, development and love I’ve experienced during my time at the University of Tennessee,” Slaughter posted on X. “The relationships I’ve built with my brothers and staff have been invaluable, contributing significantly to my growth as both an athlete and individual. The support from Volnation has made this university feel like a home.

“However, after careful consideration, I have decided to enter my name into the transfer portal. This decision is about my personal growth and aspirations and in no way diminishes the gratitude and love I feel for the University of Tennessee. I am sincerely thankful for the opportunities and memories here.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 23, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Cam Sims (89) runs with the ball as Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes (21) chased during the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Packers place CB Eric Stokes (knee, ankle) on IR

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Green Bay Packers placed cornerback Eric Stokes on injured reserve Saturday.

The move comes six days after Stokes sustained knee and ankle injuries to his right leg during a 15-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. Stokes will miss at least four games but also is expected to undergo surgery for at least one of the injuries.

Green Bay signed cornerback Corey Ballentine off the practice squad to fill the roster opening.

The Packers also elevated kicker Ramiz Ahmed from the practice squad in case Mason Crosby (back) isn’t able to kick on Sunday.

Stokes, 23, was a first-round pick (29th overall) in 2021. He has 26 tackles in nine games this season.

–Field Level Media

Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes (21) is carted off the field during the first half against Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Nov. 6, 2022. Nfl Green Bay Packers At Detroit Lions

Packers CB Eric Stokes likely done for season; LB De’Vondre Campbell out Sunday

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Packers cornerback Eric Stokes is unlikely to suit up again this season, Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur said Friday.

Stokes was on crutches in the locker room following the loss to the Detroit Lions last week. He was carted off the field in the same game in which the Packers also lost linebacker Rashan Gary for the season to a torn ACL.

Stokes is dealing with ankle and knee injuries. LaFleur would not divulge details or the severity of either injury.

“It’s looking unlikely, but I don’t have an exact update for that,” LaFleur said.

Stokes’ absence likely pushes Rasul Douglas into a starting role at cornerback with Jaire Alexander.

In addition to Stokes and Gary, the Packers all but ruled out a third defensive starter for Week 10 on Friday: linebacker De’Vondre Campbell is “highly unlikely” to be on the field at Lambeau when the Dallas Cowboys visit this weekend.

“We were hopeful that he would be available this week. It’s looking highly unlikely,” LaFleur said of Campbell. “He’s not where we need him to be, I guess.”

–Field Level Media