Christian Watson and Jaire Alexander are both active for the Packers vs Cowboys

Injury news couldn’t have been better for the Green Bay Packers ahead of the wild card round game against the Dallas Cowboys. Ninety minutes before the game, the Packers announced that both cornerback Jaire Alexander and wide receiver Christian Watson are active for the playoff game. The only injured player is running back AJ Dillon, […]

Wendell Ferreira — NFL News Writer

Jan 14, 2024 3:17 PM EST

Christian Watson — Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin-USA TODAY NETWORK

The only injured player is running back AJ Dillon, who was listed as doubtful — therefore, his absence was expected.

Jaire good to go

The Packers will have their top cornerback on the field. After suffering an ankle injury on Wednesday, Alexander had a tough week, going through treatment to be ready on Sunday. And it worked.

Packers CB Jaire Alexander out here pregame cutting and backpedaling on that ankle he rolled in practice this week. A game time decision, the pregame work is a big part of deciding his availability pic.twitter.com/KHuQ1nsybt
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) January 14, 2024

Jaire is officially active, even though he is probably not fully healthy. The situation was considered 50-50 by the Packers, and a true gametime decision.

According to NFL Network's reporter Jane Slater, Alexander spent the last few days in the training room and received treatment at home, including sleeping in a compression sleeve.

Alexander missed ten games this season — nine because of back and shoulder injuries, and one (the Minnesota Vikings game in week 17) because of a team-imposed suspension.

His return against the Dallas Cowboys is massive, though. Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb has been one of the primary offensive weapons in football this year.

Watson finally healthy again

Christian Watson entered the season expected to be the Packers primary receiving option, and he will have the chance to do so on Sunday. After missing five games because of a hamstring injury suffered against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 3, the second-year receiver is finally healthy and is officially active to face the Cowboys.

Because of a series of injuries, Watson played only nine regular season games in 2023, finishing the season with 28 catches for 422 yards and five touchdowns. However, he is still a highly important piece of the offense — the best deep and red zone threat.

Absence

As expected, running back AJ Dillon, listed as doubtful, is officially inactive. He has a stinger and had already missed the Chicago Bears game. Without Dillon, the Packers depth at running back has starter Aaron Jones, and the backup options are Patrick Taylor and Emanuel Wilson.