The Green Bay Packers had some hopeful news on Tuesday, their first injury report in a short week that included Saturday’s game.
This is just a guess, but cornerback Jair Alexander is listed as a restricted participant. But the former All-Pro defensive end did not participate in any action Wednesday, the Packers’ first real practice of the week.”He’s gotten better,” coach Matt LaFleur said after practice. “He’s getting treatment. We’ll find out where he is tomorrow.” LaFleur said there will be more live replays at Thursday’s practice and that he was “hoping” they would be able to attend.
Jaire Alexander left the Dallas Cowboys’ playoff game last Sunday with an ankle injury. He was considered a game-time decision after suffering an injury in practice last week. Not only did Alexander make the play, but he was instrumental in breaking up Dak Prescott’s interception, allowing the Packers to score an early touchdown.
However, after Alexander left the game, the Cowboys were able to be much more efficient, scoring 16 points in the fourth quarter. After the match, coach Matt LaFleur said that Alexander will not return even though the match is close.It is still unclear whether Alexander will be available to play. Especially since a short week leaves him little time to recover. His absence from training is not a good sign.
Still, LaFleur said Alexander’s presence in the rehab room will be more important because this week’s workouts will consist mostly of style work. The Packers have struggled with serious cornerback depth issues all season. Eric Stokes has suffered several injuries and has played in just three games this season.
He is on injured reserve and cannot play Saturday, even though he is cleared to return from IR if the Packers advance to the NFC Championship Game. Jair himself has missed 10 games this season due to two other injuries (back and shoulder) and a suspension from the team. Additionally, Green Bay traded Russell Douglas to the Buffalo Bills before the trade deadline.
If Alexander can’t go Saturday, the Packers will have Carrington Valentine and Corey Ballentine as their starting corners and Keysian Nixon in the slot. The only other option on the 53-man roster is Robert Rochelle, who has been mostly special teams.
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