Packers put Brinson on IR as Cooper clears concussion protocol

Green Bay placed defensive tackle Warren Brinson on injured reserve Saturday and removed linebacker Edgerrin Cooper from its injury report after he cleared concussion protocol. The two announcements move the Packers in opposite directions before Sunday's trip to Tampa Bay: a longer absence on the defensive line and a resolved availability question at linebacker.

Cooper had been questionable Friday with shoulder and concussion issues. He progressed to full participation in the final practice, then completed the protocol Saturday. The Packers' announcement removes his game designation, giving the defense an available linebacker as it prepares to face the Buccaneers.

Brinson had already been ruled out for Sunday after suffering a groin injury during Wednesday's practice. He was trying to return from a calf injury that had kept him out of the first three games. Saturday's move to injured reserve extends that absence; Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Brinson must miss at least four more games.

Coach Matt LaFleur said Friday that the new injury would require significant time to recover. Green Bay's official report identifies the groin problem as a practice injury and the earlier calf issue as one sustained during warmups before the August 21 preseason game in Denver. Brinson has yet to play a regular-season snap this year.

The Packers also remain without defensive lineman Anthony Campbell, who was ruled out with an ankle injury. Brinson's placement leaves the defense with fewer interior options while Cooper's clearance settles a different part of the lineup. Green Bay did not announce a corresponding signing to fill Brinson's roster spot Saturday.

The changes come during a broader stretch of roster adjustments. Guards Aaron Banks and Jacob Monk are also out against Tampa Bay, and center/guard Jager Burton remains questionable. Green Bay added veteran guards Kevin Zeitler and Laken Tomlinson to the active roster this week and signed Mekhi Becton Sr. to the practice squad.

Several players already on reserve lists could become eligible to return after the Buccaneers game. Silverstein identified Micah Parsons, Jordon Riley and Luke Musgrave on PUP, along with Collin Oliver and Savion Williams on injured reserve. None had been designated to return at the time of his Saturday report, so those potential reinforcements are not completed activations.

Saturday's confirmed decisions are narrower: Cooper is off the injury report, Brinson is on IR, and no replacement transaction accompanied the defensive tackle's move. Green Bay visits Tampa Bay with those status changes settled and its remaining questionable players still awaiting game-day decisions.