Green Bay Packers star cornerback Jaire Alexander has had a disappointing 2023 season, and now a freak injury has the former All-Pro uncertain to play in Sunday's wild card game against the Dallas Cowboys.
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During Packers head coach Matt LaFleur's media availability on Thursday, he revealed that Alexander rolled his ankle during the team's walkthrough practice after stepping on a teammate's foot. Wes Hodkiewicz with Packers.com shared the quote from LaFleur via X.
Matt LaFleur on Jaire Alexander: "It was kind of a freak deal yesterday. We had mostly a jog-through and he stepped on somebody's foot and rolled his ankle. He's doing everything he can to be available. I'd say it's day-to-day." #Packers
— Wes Hodkiewicz (@WesHod) January 11, 2024
"It was kind of a freak deal yesterday," LaFleur said about Alexander. "We had mostly a jog-through and he stepped on somebody's foot and rolled his ankle. He's doing everything he can to be available. I'd say it's day-to-day."
Alexander has had a tough season, missing multiple games due to back and shoulder injuries throughout the season. He was also suspended for one game after a bizarre incident when the Packers All-Pro went out onto the field for the team's coin toss against the Carolina Panthers despite not being named a team captain.
In seven games this season, Alexander hasn't recorded an interception, but has recorded 27 total tackles with five pass breakups and a forced fumble. His lack of availability has made it difficult to evaluate him, but Alexander hasn't been as dominant or physical in coverage as he's been in previous years.
Packers fans were hoping for a healthy Alexander on Sunday, with the team having a very difficult matchup against Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys. Wideout CeeDee Lamb is having an All-Pro season with a league-leading 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns, and the Packers need a shutdown corner to contain the 24-year-old receiver.
Defensive coordinator Joe Barry is firmly on the hot seat despite the Packers making the playoffs, and if Alexander isn't healthy enough to play, it could make his job a whole lot harder on Sunday.
