The Green Bay Packers received concerning news on Wednesday as it was revealed that star cornerback Jaire Alexander underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. The procedure, which took place on Tuesday, was done to alleviate persistent pain and swelling that had plagued the two-time Pro Bowler in recent weeks.
Alexander originally suffered a torn PCL in his right knee during the Packers’ Week 8 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 28th. He attempted to return to action in Week 12 versus the Chicago Bears but was only able to gut out 10 snaps before the pain became too much to bear. He has been sidelined ever since.
Packers Hopeful for Alexander’s Playoff Return
While the news of Alexander requiring surgery is certainly a blow to the Packers’ defense, there is still a glimmer of hope that their lockdown corner could see the field again this season. According to a source, Alexander could potentially make it back in time for the Super Bowl should Green Bay make a deep postseason run.
In his seven games played this season, Alexander recorded two interceptions, including a pick-six, while regularly shutting down the opposition’s top receiving threat. His presence has been sorely missed in the Packers’ secondary.
A Crucial Piece of the Packers’ Defensive Puzzle
There’s no questioning Alexander’s immense value to the Packers’ defense when healthy. The 25-year-old cover man earned his second straight Pro Bowl nod this season despite missing significant time. Losing a player of his caliber is a massive hit to Green Bay’s Super Bowl aspirations.
“Jaire is one of the best corners in the game. Not having him out there definitely changes things for our defense. But we’ve had guys step up all year, and that’s the expectation moving forward. Next man up.”
– Packers head coach Matt LaFleur
The Packers currently sit atop the NFC with a 13-3 record and have their sights set on securing the conference’s No. 1 seed. With Alexander likely out until at least the Super Bowl, Green Bay will lean heavily on the trio of Rasul Douglas, Eric Stokes, and Chandon Sullivan to hold down the fort at cornerback.
While all three have had solid seasons, there’s no replacing a talent like Alexander. The Packers are holding out hope that the Louisville product can somehow make a miraculous return if they do indeed punch their ticket to Glendale.
The Road Ahead for the Packers
Green Bay has already clinched the NFC North division title for the third straight year and fourth time in Matt LaFleur’s tenure. Now, the mission becomes securing home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs and representing the conference in Super Bowl LVII.
The Packers will look to keep the momentum rolling in their regular season finale against the Detroit Lions before setting their sights on a Super Bowl run. Having a healthy Jaire Alexander would provide a massive boost, but it remains to be seen if the star corner can make it back in time.
