The Green Bay Packers surprised football fans with a great performance against the Dallas Cowboys during Wild Card Weekend. Their offense looked impressive, but their outstanding defense played a major role in eliminating the Cowboys. But the Packers suffered a setback earlier this week when star quarterback Jaire Alexander was unexpectedly injured during practice.
His ankle was closely monitored in the build-up to the game and although he was cleared to play before kick-off, disaster struck when he re-injured his ankle, ruling him out for the rest of the game. In a postgame update, coach Matt LaFleur shared some information that has Packers fans worried about Alexander’s participation in the upcoming playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Lafleur said:”If it hadn’t been for that shot most of the second half, Alexander wouldn’t have gotten back in the game.”Given the low scoring line, Alexander is unlikely to return from his ankle injury. However, LaFleur’s comments point to potential concerns for the week ahead as the injury appears to be more serious than first thought.Alexander’s status for the game against Dallas was uncertain all week, and he was pulled at the last minute.
Alexander’s availability will be a key storyline to watch as the Packers prepare to face one of the league’s best teams at home.Like Dallas, the San Francisco 49ers have elite weapons that will be key to Alexander’s presence and efforts to limit San Francisco’s high-powered offense.
Fortunately, the Packers built a sizable lead before Alexander left, and their defense handled it very well.Alexander will likely recognize his key role and prepare for the upcoming game, as he did against Dallas. Jordan Love has shown great skill and is clearly the Packers quarterback of the future.
Alexander and the defense will have to step up to have any chance of beating the best team in the NFC. We’ll be watching closely all week to see if star cornerback Jair Alexander can participate in this important playoff game. For now, Packers fans can enjoy the thrill of shocking the NFL world by beating the second best team in the conference.
