For the third straight game, the Green Bay Packers will attempt to beat a high-powered offense without the services of cornerback Jaire Alexander. The Packers ruled out Alexander, who is still recovering from a knee ligament injury, for Thursday night’s showdown with the Detroit Lions.
Alexander first suffered the injury on Oct. 27 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He returned coming out of the bye but lasted only 10 snaps before exiting against the Chicago Bears, and the aggravation of the injury forced him to miss back-to-back games against the San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins.
There was optimism but never certainty that Alexander would return against the Lions. He practiced Sunday and in a limited capacity on Monday and Tuesday, but coach Matt LaFleur said the team wanted to have conversations on Alexander’s status on Wednesday before making a decision on his availability.
After a review of practice tape and a conversation between the team and player, the Packers must have determined to shut down Alexander for another week.
Can the Packers take down the Lions without their top corner? Expect to see more of Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine and Eric Stokes as the primary perimeter corners with rookie Javon Bullard in the slot on Thursday night.
Alexander missed the first meeting — a 24-14 loss to the Lions at Lambeau Field on Nov. 3 — with the same knee injury.
It’s possible extra rest for the knee will give Alexander a chance to be closer to 100 percent for next Sunday night’s matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. But more information is required after Alexander didn’t practice at all during Wednesday’s walk-through, which opens up the possibility of an in-week setback.
Alexander actually hasn’t faced the Lions since the 2022 season finale. He will be inactive due to injuries for the fourth straight matchup against the Lions.