Jaire

Alexander

The Packers and Alexander could be heading for a split after Gutekunst acknowledged that “there’s frustration from both sides that he can’t (get on the field).” Despite the frustrations, Gutekunst said Alexander’s contract won’t prohibit the veteran corner from returning, but it is worth pointing out that the Packers could save $7 million against the cap if they released Alexanders with a post-June 1 designation. Alexander was limited to just seven games this season and will turn 28 next month. This isn’t the last we’ll hear of this situation, but Gutekunst appears to be downplaying any issues for the time being.

Alexander declined to have a session with the media and said “he didn’t have anything good to say so definitely wasn’t going to talk.” Okay then! An Alexander release would save the Packers almost $7 million against their 2025 cap, with a post-June 1 designation saving $17 million but spreading the hit into 2026. Alexander played well while healthy this year, but “while healthy” has dogged the star cornerback as he has played 560 snaps or less in three of his last four seasons. If he does hit free agency, he’ll probably be perceived as risky enough to be a one-year deal candidate.

Alexander has been attempting to come back from the knee issue for over a month, but it never responded how he and the team wanted it to. The final straw came last week when Alexander went from being listed as a full participant in practice on Wednesday to a DNP on Friday. His season ends with seven pass breakups and two interceptions. Alexander is still a top-flight corner when healthy but has appeared in more than seven games just once in the past four seasons.

Alexander’s practice participation worryingly decreased with each day that passed in Week 17 and Matt LaFleur told reporters yesterday that he expects Alexander to miss yet another game. The Packers’ No. 1 CB will be missed in an expectedly high-scoring game against the rival Vikings.

When LaFleur was asked whether Alexander had better odds of suiting up this week, after missing five straight games, LaFleur responded, “I’d say probably not.” It’s a tough absence for the Packers to game plan around, with the Vikings’ efficient passing attack up next.

Alexander will miss his fifth straight for the Pack while linebacker Quay Walker misses his second game this season. It makes sense for the team to give the injuries as much time as possible to heal up with the playoffs on the horizon.

It’ll mark the fifth straight absence for the elite cornerback as he tends to a knee injury suffered in Week 11. Holding him out until fully healthy is likely the right long-term call for a team all but assuredly to find themselves playing in Wildcard weekend in the postseason. Alexander managed to return to a full practice this week but the additional time off should ensure he is back to 100% for the playoffs.

Alexander has missed the previous four games for the Packers as they continue their push towards the playoffs. Winners of every game over the previous two months against opponents other than the Lions, the Packers would do well to get a couple games with a full supporting cast prior to a potential matchup against the winners of the NFC West in the Wildcard Round.

Alexander is now on track to return against the Saints this week. The Packers’ No. 1 CB has been sidelined since Week 12 so his likely return is a welcome development for his team’s secondary. Alexander’s return could be particularly consequential if Chris Olave (concussion) suits up on Monday night.

Alexander has missed the last four games while dealing with a knee injury he suffered in Week 11 against the Bears. The veteran corner logged two full practices last week but was a DNP on Friday and ruled out for Week 15. Now, he’ll look to return for Week 16’s game against the Saints on Monday night. Alexander has played on 232 coverage snaps this season, per PFF, earning a coverage grade of 78.3 while allowing 14 receptions for 227 yards and two touchdowns on 25 targets. His return will only add to a Packers defense that currently ranks eight in points allowed and 10th in yards allowed this season.