For the third straight game, the Green Bay Packers will try to overcome a potent offense without the services of cornerback Jaire Alexander. The Packers have ruled out Alexander, who is still recovering from a knee ligament injury, for Thursday night's showdown against the Detroit Lions.
Alexander first suffered the injury on October 27 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He returned from the bye but lasted only ten snaps before exiting against the Chicago Bears, and aggravation of the injury forced him to miss two consecutive games against the San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins.
There was optimism, but never certainty, that Alexander would return against the Lions. He practiced on Sunday and in a limited capacity on Monday and Tuesday, but coach Matt LaFleur said the team wanted to have discussions about Alexander's status on Wednesday before making a decision on his availability.
After reviewing practice tape and a conversation between team and player, the Packers must have decided to sideline Alexander for another week.
Can the Packers beat the Lions without their top corner? Expect to see more of Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine and Eric Stokes as the primary perimeter corners with rookie Javon Bullard in the slot on Thursday night.
Alexander missed the first meeting — a 24-14 loss to the Lions at Lambeau Field on Nov. 3 — because of the same knee injury.
It's possible that additional rest on the knee will give Alexander a chance to be closer to 100 percent for next Sunday night's game against the Seattle Seahawks. However, more information is needed as Alexander did not train at all during Wednesday's go-round, opening up the possibility of a setback within the week.
Alexander actually hasn't played against the Lions since the 2022 season finale. He will be inactive for the fourth straight game against the Lions due to injury.
