Packers are being very smart when it comes to Jaire Alexander's injury
Of all the questions on the Green Bay Packers roster heading into 2023, the cornerback room is in great shape thanks to the emergence of Keisean Nixon, a healthy Jaire Alexander, and a Rasul Douglas that is back on the outside, where he's best. Well, on second though, a nearly-healthy Alexander is probably a better […]
Of all the questions on the Green Bay Packers roster heading into 2023, the cornerback room is in great shape thanks to the emergence of Keisean Nixon, a healthy Jaire Alexander, and a Rasul Douglas that is back on the outside, where he's best.
Well, on second though, a nearly-healthy Alexander is probably a better way to describe him. The All-Pro corner tweaked his groin a couple weeks ago and has been taking his recovery slow ever since.
"Somewhat, we're getting there," Alexander told reporters Thursday when asked if he was 100%. "Hopefully I'll be ready by Week 1."
The injury isn't considered to be serious – the Packers, along with Alexander, are simply being cautious when it comes to getting him back on the field.
And that's certainly the best way to handle things. The team just got star pass rusher Rashan Gary back and budding corner Eric Stokes is still on PUP. The last thing the Packers need is another one of their best players to go down for an extended period of time.
Especially if the team can control the situation like they can, right now.
"Yea, definitely," Alexander later added when asked if his limited availability has been because of caution, more than anything. "You know, you don't want to take your G-wagon and drive it down Bourbon Street at 2am."
Outside of Gary, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has been on the record saying offensive and defensive starters will both play Saturday against the Seattle Seahawks, but I wouldn't expect to see Alexander on the field. He missed the first preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals because of the injury, but sat out last week's game against the New England Patriots after taking part in some team drills during the first joint practice.
He honestly doesn't need to be on the field, either. It's the same defense he's been in since 2021 and he pretty much has the same teammates at corner over the last couple of years. Sure, it's always nice to get back on the field for the simple feel of the game, but Alexander doesn't need that and will be just fine if he doesn't partake.
There are more than two weeks before the Packers play the Chicago Bears at Solider Field. Let Alexander rest up, heal, and be good to go for the marathon that is the 2023 NFL season.
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