Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander and linebacker Quay Walker were both unavailable for all three practices this week and are unlikely to play Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.,
The Packers listed the pair as doubtful for Week 10.
Alexander, the team’s top cornerback, is dealing with a shoulder injury suffered during last week’s win over the Los Angeles Rams. Walker, the standout second-year linebacker, felt tightness in his groin last Friday, missed the win over the Rams and hasn’t practiced since.
The Packers are already thin at cornerback after trading away starter Rasul Douglas at the trade deadline. If Alexander can’t go, the Packers would start Keisean Nickel at the nickel and rookie Carrington Valentine on the perimeter with either Corey Ballentine or Robert Rochell — who were both signed from practice squads last week — opposite Valentine on the outside.
The situation at linebacker is far less concerning. Isaiah McDuffie has made four starts already this season and has already set a new career-high in tackles (46). He would start next to 2021 All-Pro De’Vondre Campbell if Walker can’t play.
Safety Darnell Savage is still on injured reserve, so the Packers would be without four preferred Week 1 starters — Savage, Alexander, Walker and Douglas — if both Alexander and Walker can’t play Sunday. Green Bay’s defense held the Rams to just three points despite not having Savage, Douglas, Walker and safety Rudy Ford (and Kenny Clark for the second half) last week.
The Packers will release a full and final injury report with playing status designations later on Friday. It’s possible Matt LaFleur will rule out both Alexander and Walker when he meets with the media following practice Friday.