Packers Place Cornerback Jaire Alexander on Injured Reserve Following Knee Procedure
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – In a significant move, the Green Bay Packers have placed cornerback Jaire Alexander on injured reserve, signaling that he is likely to miss the rest of the current season. This decision came after Alexander was officially ruled out for what will be his seventh consecutive game without playing, a streak that has left the Packers without one of their most critical defensive players.
The Packers made the announcement on Saturday at 3 p.m., confirming the move that officially places Alexander on the injured reserve list. With this move, Alexander will miss a minimum of four games, although there is still a possibility for him to return to the field if the Packers manage to make a deep playoff run, including a Super Bowl appearance. According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the cornerback underwent a knee scope, which is a minor surgical procedure designed to address ongoing knee issues. While this procedure requires a period of recovery, there remains a glimmer of hope for his return to action should the Packers continue their postseason journey.
This setback for Alexander, who has been an essential player for the Packers’ defense, adds to the team’s challenges as they finish the regular season. The timing of the move leaves the team without its star cornerback for a crucial stretch of the season. Despite the challenges, the Packers are hopeful that Alexander’s recovery will go smoothly, and his potential return would be a welcome addition to their playoff aspirations.
In terms of contract details, Alexander is currently in the second year of a four-year, $84 million contract extension that he signed in the lead-up to the 2022 season. This hefty extension made Alexander one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league and underscored his importance to the Packers’ defense. Entering the 2025 season, he will be in the third year of this lucrative deal, with the team counting on him to be a cornerstone of their defensive backfield for years to come. His absence, while a significant blow, highlights the Packers’ need to continue developing depth within their defense, especially at the cornerback position.
To mitigate the loss of Alexander, the Packers made some roster adjustments in advance of their regular-season finale against the Chicago Bears. Green Bay elevated linebacker Michael Barrett and safety Omar Brown from the practice squad to the active roster. Both players will now have the opportunity to contribute on gameday as the Packers face off against their NFC North rivals. This strategic move indicates that the team is actively working to address the absence of key personnel, ensuring that they have the necessary depth to compete at a high level even without their star cornerback.
Looking ahead to their matchup against the Bears, the Packers are aiming to end the regular season on a strong note. The game, scheduled to take place at noon on Sunday, is critical as they position themselves for a potential playoff berth. While the absence of Alexander certainly creates a void in the defensive backfield, the Packers are relying on the resilience and adaptability of their remaining players to carry the load in this must-win game.
As the season draws to a close, the Packers’ defense will need to step up in Alexander’s absence. Players like Rasul Douglas, Eric Stokes, and rookie defensive backs will likely see increased responsibilities in the secondary. The coaching staff will undoubtedly have to make adjustments to compensate for the loss of Alexander’s playmaking ability, leadership, and experience.
The Packers’ defensive line and front seven will also play a crucial role in minimizing the impact of Alexander’s absence. By generating pressure on the opposing quarterback and disrupting the offensive flow, Green Bay can help take some of the pressure off their cornerbacks, making it easier for the secondary to perform without one of their top players.
In conclusion, while the loss of Jaire Alexander to injured reserve is a tough blow for the Packers, it’s not the end of their hopes for the season. With a potential Super Bowl run still possible, the team will be looking for players to step up in his absence and maintain their playoff push. The Packers will continue to monitor Alexander’s recovery, hoping that he can return to the field if they make it deep into the postseason. For now, the focus shifts to the game against the Bears, where the Packers will need to demonstrate their depth, resilience, and determination as they close out the regular season.