A month ago, right after cornerback Jaire Alexander suffered a shoulder injury during a win over the Los Angeles Rams, the Green Bay Packers decided not to put him on injured reserve.

Presumably, their perception was that the All-Pro corner would miss fewer than four games. Last week, Alexander practiced the entire week and even expected to talk to the media. He didn't talk and missed his fourth game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

So, what's happening?

According to Jaire himself, who finally had a media availability on Friday, this is not an easy injury to play through, as he did with other problems in the past.

"I've done that a lot of times," he said. "I've done that a few times this year, but I think with what I got going on now, it's a little more tough."

This has not been an easy season for Jaire Alexander. Earlier in the year, he missed three games because of a back issue. Adding the four he missed with his shoulder injury, Jaire didn't participate in seven of the Packers 12 games so far in 2023. Alexander wants to be back as soon as possible, but he has to be healthy enough.

"I'm the type of person that I always want to put my best foot forward," Alexander added. "I feel like if I can't put my best foot forward, then it's just tough to even be out there."

Even when healthy, it has not been a great season for Jaire Alexander. He's had his worst career PFF grade, 65.6 through 13 weeks — he's never had a full season below 70. Alexander's best year was in 2020, but he also played at an extremely high level last season.

The Packers have handled several different questions at cornerback in 2023. Jaire has had these injuries, Eric Stokes started the season on PUP and is now on IR, and the team traded Rasul Douglas to the Buffalo Bills.

Alexander knows how important he is to the team, but it's not smart to rush his return.

"Especially when you're talking about elite corners," Jaire mentioned, "it's a tough one to battle."

On Monday against the New York Giants, the situation might get better. Jaire has a chance at playing, and Stokes has practiced at full, a good indication that he will be available to play.

Cornerback depth

Rookie seventh-round pick has been a big value for the team, being a de facto cornerback 1 over the last month and performing at a high level. Slot corner Keisean Nixon is also a solid piece.

Beyond that, though, the situation is not as positive. The other starter in the boundary is Corey Ballentine.

General manager Brian Gutekunst has been active trying to add depth to the position. Over the last two months, he's signed Robert Rochell off the Carolina Panthers practice squad, claimed Kyu Blu Kelly off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks, and earlier this week he claimed David Long from the Panthers.

The Packers also have former Giants cornerback Zyon Gilbert on the practice squad.

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