Sep 22, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) waves to the crowd during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
The Green Bay Packers are preparing to take on the Minnesota Vikings in a clash of two teams that are still battling for positioning in the NFL Playoffs. While both teams have clinched postseason berths, the Packers, at 11-4, can no longer compete for the NFC North crown. However, they can improve their seeding from sixth to fifth should they defeat the Vikings this week, the Chicago Bears next week, and if Minnesota loses to the Detroit Lions in Week 18.
Unfortunately for Green Bay, their latest edition of the injury report has Jaire Alexander listed as out for the sixth straight game. The two-time Pro Bowl cornerback suffered a torn PCL in the Packers’ Week Eight victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, an injury that can take a few months to heal per USCF Health.
Green Bay attempted to have Alexander come back in Week 11 against the Chicago Bears, but he could only make it through 10 snaps before his injury forced him out. He has not played since.
Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur Gives Terse Response to Jaire Alexander Injury Question
Earlier this week, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur did his weekly appeared on the Matt Schneidman Show on iHeart Radio. Schneidman asked LaFleur more about Alexander’s injury and why he has been able to practice, but not play.
LaFleur simply stated that Alexander’s knee is not ready for NFL game action.
That being said, many wonder why the Packers did not place Alexander on injured reserve when they found out how bad his knee injury was. The decision to keep him active and practicing has led to many fans questioning if there is something else going on, such as a disagreement between the star cornerback and the coaching staff.
LaFleur was asked that today during his Friday press conference:
Asked Matt LaFleur if they think Jaire can play and Jaire doesn’t think he can or if they’re on the same page.
LaFleur’s response was that the injury report will be out at 3.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) December 27, 2024
Obviously, LaFleur is getting tired of being asked questions about Alexander’s injury. However, one has to wonder why, since Green Bay knew he had torn his PCL, they simply did not place him on injured reserve.
Presumably, the Packers chose not to put him on IR so that he could still practice even though they knew he would not be able to play. Players on IR cannot practice unless the team opens up a window for them to return.
The facts of the matter are these:
- Jaire Alexander tore his PCL nine weeks ago
- The Packers did not put him on injured reserve
- Recovery time for a PCL tear that does not require surgery is 4-6 months
Many fans are questioning Alexander’s work ethic and dedication to the team because he has not been able to play. The real question should be why Green Bay hasn’t placed him on IR.
