GREEN BAY, Wis. — Jaire Alexander, cornerback for the Green Bay Packers, has faced numerous injuries this season, with only one occurring during gameplay.
Alexander’s latest setback came on Wednesday during a half-speed practice when he rolled an ankle. This injury raises concerns about his availability for the NFC wild-card playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur described the incident as a “freak deal” and stated that Alexander is doing everything possible to be able to play. However, his status remains day-to-day, and the team decided it was best for him to sit out of practice.
LaFleur also mentioned the rarity of a player getting injured during a jog-through. He emphasized that Alexander was fully focused and simply stepped on someone’s foot, causing the injury.
During the regular season, Alexander only appeared in seven games due to various injuries. He missed three games earlier in the season because of a back injury sustained during practice, and then an additional six games due to a shoulder injury suffered against the Los Angeles Rams on November 5th. Alexander also missed the Week 17 game after being suspended for conduct detrimental to the team.
Although Alexander did not speak to reporters on Thursday, he was seen in the locker room without any noticeable limp or protective device.
If Alexander is unable to play against the Cowboys, Corey Ballentine, who has started six games this season and has more interceptions than Alexander, would likely step in. The other starting cornerback has been rookie seventh-round pick Carrington Valentine, with Keisean Nixon as the slot corner.
In addition to Alexander, guard Elgton Jenkins and running back AJ Dillon were the only players who missed Thursday’s practice. Receivers Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson, who were dealing with injuries, were present on the field, albeit in a limited capacity.
In summary, Jaire Alexander’s ankle injury during practice raises concerns about his availability for the Packers’ playoff game against the Cowboys. Alexander has dealt with multiple injuries this season, limiting his playing time. The team will need to rely on other cornerbacks if Alexander is unable to participate in the game.