(Photo by Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire)
The Green Bay Packers need all hands on deck in their divisional matchup with the top-seeded San Francisco 49ers this weekend.
The team shut down the Dallas Cowboys and Dak Prescott for most of their win this past week but lost starting cornerback Jaire Alexander in the process, who suffered an ankle injury.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur sounded hopeful earlier this week that Alexander could suit up, but the cornerback didn’t practice again on Thursday, which doesn’t bode well for his availability for Saturday night’s game.
Jaire Alexander not practicing again today. AJ Dillon returned to stretch with a helmet, but not sure if he’s practicing since we only watch stretch. He’s missed the last two games with a neck injury.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) January 18, 2024
Alexander already missed a lot of time earlier this year with a shoulder injury.
The 49ers boast arguably the best collection of skill position players at running back (Christian McCaffrey), wide receiver (Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk), and tight end (George Kittle) with a quarterback in Brock Purdy who understands how to maximize the offense.
A poor defensive showing would put a lot of pressure on first-time starting quarterback Jordan Love, who proved this past week that he can sling the rock himself.
Alexander’s availability will not make or break the team, but he is a crucial member of the defense who would be tasked with trying to shut down at least one of the 49ers’ best offensive players in any given situation.
He very well may get healthy enough to suit up Saturday, but he may not be a full strength to be as effective as he normally would be if he had more time to recover.
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