The Green Bay Packers might have a big issue on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC wild card round. On Thursday, cornerback Jaire Alexander didn't practice. It's not the old shoulder injury, but otherwise a new ankle injury.

Jaire was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday because of ankle and shoulder injuries. But on Thursday he was unable to participate in the activity. Friday will be telling, and another missed practice would elevate the concern level.

A potential Jaire absence is particularly relevant this week because CeeDee Lamb has been one of the best wide receivers in football this year. He plays 57% of his snaps in the slot, so without Alexander the Packers would probably be forced to cover him with Keisean Nixon. If Jaire is available, defensive coordinator Joe Barry can move him inside, allowing Carrington Valentine and Corey Ballentine to play as boundary cornerbacks.

Tough season

It’s not been an ideal year for Jaire Alexander. He missed 10 of the 17 regular season games because of two different injuries — back and shoulder. So if he misses this game, it would be a third different issue making the corner miss time.

Other DNPs

Two other Packers players didn't practice on Thursday. However, offensive guard Elgton Jenkins had just a rest day — the team has limited his workload throughout the season.

The bigger concern is running back AJ Dillon, who missed last week's game against the Chicago Bears because of a stinger.

If Dillon can't go once again, starter Aaron Jones would certainly have a huge volume as he did against Chicago. The other running back options on the 53-man roster are Patrick Taylor and Emanuel Wilson.

Veteran Kenyan Drake and rookie Ellis Merriweather are on the practice squad and could be elevated for gameday — in the playoffs, there's no more limit of elevations per player, even though only two players can be elevated by game.

Positive news

Another day, another practice for second-year wide receiver Christian Watson. He missed the last five games of the regular season because of a hamstring injury and was closer to play against the Bears, but wasn't healthy enough.

Last week, he practiced on Wednesday and Thursday too, but didn't on Friday. So his designation on Friday this week is an important one to see if he will be able to go against the Cowboys. Last year, Watson had a breakout game and scored three touchdowns during the Packers 31-28 overtime win over Dallas at Lambeau Field.

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