The season-ending Achilles tear suffered by rising-star linebacker Edgerrin Cooper in last Sunday’s Week 4 matchup between the Packers and Buccaneers is an absolute gut punch for Green Bay, but it might just be the lifeline the Pittsburgh Steelers need to finally move linebacker Patrick Queen. This isn’t just a tough break for the Packers; it’s a ripple effect that could reshape a roster across the league.
Green Bay’s Massive Hole and Why They’re Desperate
Cooper, just heading into his third year, was already a cornerstone of that Packers defense. We’re talking about a guy who racked up 235 combined tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 13 QB hits, seven sacks, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions over 34 games, including 24 starts. That’s a huge stat line for a young player! Losing him means the 2-2 Packers are now scrambling to stay competitive in the NFC North. They’re not sitting around feeling sorry for themselves, either; the team has already tried out five different linebackers just to try and plug that giant hole Cooper left. They need an answer, and fast.
Patrick Queen: Talent, Trouble, and Durability
Enter Patrick Queen. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler with 105 starts under his belt, and the man has been exceptionally durable for seven seasons. That’s a resume any team would want, right? But here’s the kicker: Queen is in the final year of his contract with Pittsburgh, and fans, even former Steelers, have been calling him out for “making business decisions” on the field. That’s never a good look for a guy playing for his next deal. He’s got all the talent, but maybe the effort hasn’t always matched. A linebacker-needy team like the Packers, desperate after Cooper’s injury, could be interested in taking a chance on a 27-year-old with his kind of upside and experience.
The Clock Is Ticking: Could a Deal Get Done?
If the Steelers are ready to make a move and call up the Packers about Queen, don’t be surprised if this deal actually happens. Green Bay needs a proven player to step in immediately, and Queen could be that guy, despite the critiques of his play. For Pittsburgh, it’s a chance to get something for a player who might be walking at the end of the season and whose effort has drawn criticism. This isn’t just about shuffling players; this is about two teams making high-stakes decisions that could define their early season trajectories. Keep your eyes peeled, because this could get wild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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