If the Green Bay Packers’ shoddy performance in their 34-20 loss to the Detroit Lions last Thursday was any indication, their defense needs some help.

The good news is that it may be getting a key player back in Week 5.

Cornerback Eric Stokes, who has been on the PUP list while recovering from a Lisfranc injury he suffered during the second half of last season, may be making his return.

“We’re hopeful, but we’ll see,” said Packers head coach Matt LaFleur when asked if Stokes would be back on the practice field this week (via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic).

Stokes was designated to return off the PUP list earlier in the week.

The 24-year-old, who played his collegiate football at the University of Georgia, was originally selected by Green Bay with the 29th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.

He played in 16 games during his rookie campaign and was impressive, finishing with 55 tackles, an interception and 14 passes defended. During nine contests last year, Stokes totaled 26 tackles.

The Packers’ defense currently ranks 21st in the league. The club has been considerably better against the pass than in defending the run, as it ranks 11th in the former.

Green Bay has gotten off to a 2-2 start and missed an opportunity to take sole possession of first place in the NFC North in Week 4. With the loss to the Lions, Detroit jumped into the top spot with a 3-1 record.

The Packers are in their first season without Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, as the Jordan Love era has begun under center.

Love has produced mixed results early on, but he has been good enough to keep Green Bay in playoff contention for the first quarter of the year.

The Packers will look to get back on track against the Las Vegas Raiders next Monday.

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