Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander’s lingering knee injury has left the team in a precarious position. With no clear timeline for his return, head coach Matt LaFleur has expressed uncertainty about Alexander’s availability, raising concerns as the postseason approaches.
Alexander’s prolonged absence: A season defined by injury.
Jaire Alexander, once a cornerstone of the Green Bay Packers’ secondary, has seen his 2024 season derailed by a persistent knee injury. The two-time All-Pro cornerback has played just 10 snaps since initially sustaining the injury on October 28 in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite returning to practice on multiple occasions — often as a full participant — Alexander has not been able to suit up for game action. He was most recently downgraded to “limited” participation during Thursday’s practice ahead of the Packers’ matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.
Head coach Matt LaFleur addressed the media earlier this week but offered little clarity, stating, “I don’t know if he’ll be back this season. As soon as I know, I’ll let you guys know.” LaFleur also revealed that knee swelling continues to be a significant barrier to Alexander’s recovery, adding, “He doesn’t feel right to go out there and play.”
Since signing a four-year, $84 million contract extension in 2022, which briefly made him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL, Alexander has struggled to stay healthy. Over the past two seasons, he has appeared in just 14 of 33 possible regular-season games, a stark contrast to the durability he showed earlier in his career.
Packers’ secondary stretched thin ahead of key divisional showdown.
The Packers’ defense has been forced to adapt in Alexander’s absence, relying on a combination of young and inexperienced players. Carrington Valentine and Eric Stokes have stepped up as starting cornerbacks on the perimeter, while Keisean Nixon has taken over duties in the slot. The situation becomes even more pressing as the Packers prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings, whose receiving corps features Justin Jefferson and rookie standout Jordan Addison — a duo capable of exploiting any weaknesses in the secondary.
Green Bay may find some relief with the potential return of rookie defensive back Javon Bullard, who has been practicing after missing two games with an ankle injury. However, Bullard’s role remains uncertain, and he could be deployed at safety rather than cornerback due to other injuries in the Packers’ defensive lineup, including safety Evan Williams, who is dealing with a quad issue.
Sunday’s game against the Vikings will mark the ninth contest Alexander has missed this season, further challenging a Packers defense that has struggled to maintain consistency without its top cornerback. The stakes are high, as every remaining game carries significant weight in the Packers’ playoff aspirations.
Lingering questions and implications for the future.
The prolonged nature of Alexander’s recovery has raised questions about how the injury was initially managed and whether it was underestimated. Despite being eligible for placement on injured reserve earlier in the season — which would have allowed him to return after four weeks — the Packers opted to keep him on the active roster under a week-to-week evaluation. This decision has fueled speculation about the team’s handling of the injury and its long-term impact on Alexander’s career.
The knee swelling, a recurring issue for Alexander, has drawn comparisons to previous injury challenges faced by the Packers, most notably the prolonged recovery of left tackle David Bakhtiari, whose knee issues sidelined him for significant stretches over multiple seasons. Fans and analysts alike are concerned that Alexander, a key figure in the Packers’ defense, could follow a similar trajectory if his knee problems persist.
For now, the Packers must navigate their remaining schedule with an uncertain secondary and hope for Alexander’s eventual return. The team’s playoff hopes hinge not only on their ability to adapt defensively but also on whether their star cornerback can make a meaningful contribution before the season ends.
What’s next for Green Bay?
As the Packers prepare for a critical divisional matchup against the Vikings, their focus will remain on containing Minnesota’s high-powered offense without their defensive leader. If Alexander’s injury persists into the postseason, it could significantly hinder the Packers’ chances of advancing. Meanwhile, questions about Alexander’s long-term health and availability will continue to loom large over the franchise.
For now, Green Bay fans are left hoping for positive news — both on the field and in the training room — as the team fights to keep its playoff hopes alive.
