Packers coach Matt LaFleur announced that cornerback Jaire Alexander is likely out for the remainder of the season.
Jaire Alexander suffered a torn posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in his knee. On Tuesday, he underwent an arthroscopy to relieve pain and reduce swelling. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the only chance for Alexander to return would be if the Packers reach the Super Bowl.
Injury history and season timeline
Alexander suffered his PCL injury on October 27 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Initially considered short-lived, the team did not place Jaire Alexander on injured reserve. However, his recovery did not go as planned. He briefly returned in Week 11, playing only 10 snaps against the Bears. Since then, he has remained on the sidelines.
This season, Jaire Alexander has missed seven of the last eight games.
Over the past three seasons, he has only appeared in 34 of 68 regular season games. The All-Pro cornerback has also struggled with previous injuries, including a shoulder issue in 2021 and a suspension last year.
Alexander’s performance and contract situation
In seven games this season, Jaire Alexander has recorded two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown in Week 3 against the Titans. Despite his talent, injuries have significantly limited his availability. He has no guaranteed money left on his four-year, $84 million contract extension signed in 2022.
Alexander is expected to account for a salary impact of $25.376 million next season, leaving his future with the Packers uncertain.
If the Packers decide to part ways with him, Jaire Alexander could have played his last game with Green Bay. His contract includes salaries of $17.5 million in 2025 and $19.5 million in 2026, but his release would allow the team to save on the salary cap.
-And now ?
With Alexander’s absence, the Packers will rely on Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine and Eric Stokes as primary cornerbacks. Valentine has shown progress, recording interceptions in two of the last three games. Stokes expressed his support for Alexander, stating: “ I know how much he wants to be on the pitch… His presence, even off it, is enormous. »
Matt LaFleur praised Alexander’s efforts to recover, saying:
“That’s how it is. I feel sorry for him. He was trying to get his knee back together, but it didn’t work. »
The Packers, who have already secured a playoff spot with a record of 11 wins and 5 losses, are dealing with several key injuries. Starters like safety Zayne Anderson (concussion), defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. (foot) and linebacker Quay Walker (ankle) did not participate in Wednesday’s practice.
LaFleur stressed the importance of striking a balance between competitiveness and caution regarding injured players in Sunday’s game against the Bears.
Crédit Photo : Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
