The Green Bay Packers have unexpectedly ruled out star cornerback Jaire Alexander before tonight's matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Per NFL Insider Tom Pelissero, "He's played just 10 snaps since October with what the team has called a knee injury. He was listed as a full participant this week in practice. But he's not himself. They'll reevaluate next week."
Sources: #Packers CB Jaire Alexander will be inactive tonight against the #Saints.
He’s played just 10 snaps since October with what the team has called a knee injury. He was listed as a full participant this week in practice. But he’s not himself. They’ll reevaluate next week. pic.twitter.com/y6R67EP5yN
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Alexander first injured his knee in the fourth quarter of the Packers' October 27 game against the Jaguars.
He tried to return from the PCL injury three weeks later against the Bears but experienced a setback, leading to him missing four consecutive games. Although he wasn't placed on injured reserve, Alexander's return was delayed further.
Last week, he did participate fully in two practices and was on track to play against Seattle. However, head coach Matt LaFleur has now ruled him out, citing that he wasn't "ready." It now seems likely that Alexander's absence will extend to a fifth straight game.
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Alexander was drafted by the Packers in the first round (18th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft. He immediately established himself as one of the league's premier cornerbacks, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and First-Team All-Pro honors in 2020.
However, the past two seasons have been frustrating for Alexander, as injuries have plagued him since his career year in 2022. Over the last two years, the 27-year-old has missed 17 of 31 games, a significant setback for a player once considered one of the league's brightest young stars.
The Packers will look to extend their strong form with a win over the New Orleans Saints, aiming for their ninth victory in the last 11 games. Green Bay is coming off a dominant 30-13 win at Seattle, while the Saints are fresh off a narrow 20-19 loss to the Washington Commanders. New Orleans (5-9), third in the NFC South, has struggled on the road with a 2-4 record this season.
Meanwhile, the Packers (10-4), sitting third in the NFC North, are 5-2 at home and are on the brink of clinching a playoff spot. The Saints will be without key players, including starting quarterback Derek Carr (hand) and running back Alvin Kamara (groin).
On the other hand, despite their 5-10 record, New Orleans has shown improvement under interim coach Darren Rizzi, going 3-2 in their last five games. During this stretch, no team has allowed fewer points than the Saints' 16.6 per game, holding playoff-bound teams like the Rams (21 points) and Commanders (20 points) to modest totals.
Alexander's surprising absence, considering his ability to practice, may well have a big impact on the game.
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