The Green Bay Packers might get a big boost in the secondary ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Per Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com, cornerback Jaire Alexander returned to practice for the first time since injuring his shoulder in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Rams.
Alexander, a two-time All-Pro, was out during Wednesday’s practice. His return Thursday opens the door to him playing Sunday in a huge matchup against Allen, who leads the NFL in catches (73) this season.
If Alexander can’t go, the Packers would be forced to play rookie Carrington Valentine and Corey Ballentine on the perimeter against Herbert, one of the NFL’s leaders in passer rating in 2023.
The Packers will practice again Friday before putting out a final injury report with playing status designations later Friday afternoon. It’s possible Alexander will now be no worse than a questionable player for Sunday.
Jaire Alexander returned to practice Thursday. Quay Walker also was participating.
Didn’t see Rudy Ford (biceps). #Packers #LACvsGB pic.twitter.com/cdjL6yU2Cu
— Wes Hodkiewicz (@WesHod) November 16, 2023
Per Hodkiewicz, safety Rudy Ford missed a second straight practice with a biceps injury.
The Packers returned linebacker Quay Walker to practice on Wednesday. If both Walker and Alexander can play, the Packers will be close to 100 percent on defense come Sunday.