The Green Bay Packers head into Sunday’s NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys as big road underdogs.
For Green Bay, the onus is going to be on its defense to hold back a Cowboys offense that was absolutely dominant at home during the regular season (36.1 points per game).
Unfortunately for the Pack, it looks like one of their best defensive players might not be available for the game. In addressing the media on Thursday, head coach Matt LaFleur indicated that star cornerback Jaire Alexander suffered a freak ankle injury during practice the day before.
“It was kind of a freak deal yesterday,” LaFleur told reporters. “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 was limited to seven games during the regular season due to a shoulder injury and a one-game team-mandated suspension. But he remains their best cover guy. It’s not close.
Prior to an injury-plagued 2023 campaign, Alexander acted the part of a shutdown guy. That included yielding a mere 63.7 QB rating when targeted in 2022.
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Jaire Alexander injury, impact on the Green Bay Packers
It’s not great. Green Bay is tasked with going up against a wide receiver group that is led by Pro Bowl starter CeeDee Lamb. He was absolutely dominant during the regular season, registering 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Quarterback Dak Prescott was also great, especially at home. He threw 22 touchdowns compared to three interceptions for a 120.0 QB rating inside AT&T Stadium.
If Alexander is not able to go for the Packers, it will put them behind the proverbial eight-ball. Corey Ballentine would likely get the start. While he did perform well during the regular year (81.2 QB rating allowed), it’s not an ideal scenario.