Packers will be without star defender and four more players against the Rams

For the second week in a row, the Green Bay Packers will be without their top cornerback. Because of a groin injury he suffered at practice last week, All-Pro defensive back Jaire Alexander is officially inactive to face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Jaire is a big part of the Packers defensive unit, as […]

Wendell Ferreira — NFL News Writer
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Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) runs during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Neo Quimica Arena.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

For the second week in a row, the Green Bay Packers will be without their top cornerback. Because of a groin injury he suffered at practice last week, All-Pro defensive back Jaire Alexander is officially inactive to face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

Jaire is a big part of the Packers defensive unit, as he had two interceptions (including a pick-six) in his first three games of the season. But again, defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will have to trust his depth at the position.

Packers inactives

  • CB Jaire Alexander
  • WR Christian Watson
  • DL Devonte Wyatt
  • OL Jordan Morgan
  • DE Brenton Cox
  • OL Travis Glover

*Romeo Doubs is suspended, so he's not a member of the 53-man roster this week.

Relief

At least, fellow cornerback Carrington Valentine is active this time around, meaning he's back to action after missing two games with an ankle injury. He's a big part of the secondary, especially without Jaire. Valentine is expected to start alongside Eric Stokes, allowing Corey Ballentine to be a backup.

Rookie off-ball linebacker Edgerrin Cooper handled a hip injury throughout the week, but he is active and available to play.

Pro Bowler left guard Elgton Jenkins has a knee injury, but he is also good to go. This is particularly important because first-round rookie Jordan Morgan will miss his third game in a row with a shoulder injury, the same that sidelined him during a part of training camp and the entire preseason. He avoided injured reserve, but is not healthy enough to play yet.

Second-year tight end Luke Musgrave had a pre-game test and is good enough to play despite an ankle injury. According to ESPN's insider Adam Schefter, he will be less than 100%, but he is expected to have some type of role.

Expected absence

Wide receiver Christian Watson is officially inactive. Even though there was still a chance for him to play, it was an unlikely scenario. He reportedly has a high-ankle sprain and was listed as doubtful to play. The fact that he wasn't declared out on Friday might be a positive sign for his availability next week against the Arizona Cardinals.

Previous definitions

The big topic of pre-game conversation in Green Bay was around wide receiver Romeo Doubs, suspended for a game for missing practice on Thursday and Friday. Reportedly, he is unhappy with his role within the offense.

The Packers had already declared defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt out. He suffered an ankle injury during the Minnesota Vikings game, and it's unclear when he will be back — however, it's not expected to be a long-term injury, since he was not placed on the injured reserve.

Fellow defensive tackle Jonathan Ford is still recovering from a calf injury. The Packers opened up his practice window this week, but decided not to activate him from injured reserve just yet.

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