For the third straight game, the Green Bay Packers will try to overcome a high-powered offense without the support of cornerback Jaire Alexander. The Packers ruled out Alexander, who is still recovering from a knee ligament injury, for Thursday’s game against the Detroit Lions.
Alexander was first injured on October 27 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He returned after the bye game but lasted only 10 snaps before starting against the Chicago Bears, and a worsening injury forced him to miss subsequent games against the San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins.
There was optimism, but there was never any certainty that Alexander would return against the Lions. He practiced Sunday and on a confined basis Monday and Tuesday, but coach Matt LaFleur said the team wanted to hold discussions Wednesday about Alexander’s status before making a decision on his availability.
After reviewing the training tape and talking between the team and the player, the Packers had to decide to stop Alexander from playing for another week.
Can the Packers beat the Lions without a top cornerback? On Thursday night, expect Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine and Eric Stokes to be on the pitch as the main corners, with rookie Javon Bullard on the pitch.
Alexander missed the first game — a 24-14 loss to the Lions at Lambeau Field on Nov. 3 — with the same knee injury.
It’s possible that additional knee rest will give Alexander a chance to get back to 100% before Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. However, more information is needed because Alexander did not practice at all during Wednesday’s crossing, which opens up the possibility of a loss on the week.
Alexander hasn’t actually faced the Lions since the 2022 season finale. For the fourth straight game against the Lions, he will be inactive due to injury.
