Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander suffered what Matt LaFleur labeled a “freaky” injury when he rolled his ankle during Wednesday’s jog through practice in Green Bay.
Alexander didn’t practice Thursday, just three days out from Sunday’s NFC Wild Card Round showdown with the Dallas Cowboys, and LaFleur isn’t sure if his top cornerback will be available.
“Yeah, so, it was kind of a freak deal yesterday,” LaFleur said Thursday. “He unfortunately stepped on somebody’s foot and rolled his ankle. I know he’s doing everything he can to be available. I’d say it’s day to day. We thought it was best today to have him not practice.”
Alexander returned from a one-game suspension and played one of his best games of the 2023 season during the regular season finale against the Chicago Bears. He would be vital to the Packers’ defensive game plan against MVP candidate Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ No. 1 ranked scoring offense on Sunday.
If Alexander can’t play, the Packers would have to go back to Carrington Valentine and Corey Ballentine at perimeter cornerback with Keisean Nixon in the slot.
Alexander, an All-Pro in 2020 and 2022, played in only seven games this season. He broke up five passes and forced a fumble over 446 snaps.
Alexander will be listed as a “did not participate” on Thursday’s injury report. The Packers will practice again Friday and provide a final injury report — with playing status designations — later on Friday afternoon. It’s possible Alexander will be a true game-time decision come Sunday.
