Jaire

Alexander

The Packers’ primary backup perimeter cornerback Carrington Valentine (ankle) is also questionable to play this week, potentially leaving the Packers’ secondary fairly thin. This game quietly possesses fantasy-friendly shootout potential.

Alexander missed last week’s contest against the Vikings and was a DNP on Thursday. The veteran corner returned it what will likely be a limited capacity on Thursday, giving him a chance to play in Week 5 if he can also practice on Friday. With a Week 5 matchup against a feisty Rams team on tap, the Packers need all hands on deck to avoid starting the season 2-3.

Alexander entered the weekend listed as questionable but won’t be playing in the Packers’ divisional round matchup against the Vikings. The veteran corner, who has fared well against Justin Jefferson in years past, will hope to bounce back for Week 5 when the Packers take on the Rams. In addition to Alexander, the Packers also ruled out CB Carrington Valentine, S Kitan Oladapo, DL Brenton Cox Jr., OL Jordan Morgan, OT Travis Glover, and DL Colby Wooden

Alexander is off to a hot start this year with two interceptions, one of which he took to the house, and four pass breakups so far. He has also held his own against Justin Jefferson in the past, making his status for Week 4 all the more concerning for Packers fans. Jefferson has topped 60 yards once in six career games versus Green Bay.

Short, sweet, and to the point. Gutekunst didn’t mince words when asked about the possibility of moving his star cornerback, who was slapped with a one-game suspension by the team last season for “conduct detrimental to the team,” after he inserted himself in the pre-game coin toss in Week 16 against the Panthers. Alexander appeared in only seven regular-season games last year but is under contract through 2026. Barring an offseason surprise, it sounds like the team is more than prepared to have him back in 2024.

Alexander has been super banged up down the stretch, but he’ll provide a big boost against Brock Purdy and company even in a limited state. Alexander had a monster wild card performance in Dallas.

Alexander has dealt with nagging injuries in recent weeks, but that didn’t stop him from suiting up in last weekend’s game against the Cowboys. Alexander totaled seven tackles and an interception in that game, and should be good to go against the 49ers barring any setbacks.

Alexander was listed as limited in Tuesday’s practice but was downgraded to a DNP on Wednesday. Both sessions were walkthroughs, so it’s hard to glean much from either practice report. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said Alexander is “doing better.” We expect Alexander to get a questionable tag after Thursday’s practice and be a true game-time call for his upcoming matchup with the 49ers.

Alexander left the Packers’ Wild Card victory over the Cowboys after aggravating an ankle issue he had been dealing with heading into the playoffs. He did not return to the game and is primed for a week of injury maintenance. Alexander is the top cornerback of the Packers defense and will be needed Saturday against the 49ers in the Divisional Round. Expect him to be limited in practice this week as the Packers try to manage his load in order for him to play.

Dillon also missed Week 18 and was unable to practice at all this week, so his absence is not a major surprise. Emmanuel Wilson and Patrick Taylor will back up Aaron Jones without Dillon in uniform. However, the big news for Green Bay is that both Jaire Alexander and Christian Watson will be active for the game. Watson has been out since Week 13, but his return means that this will be the first time all season that Jordan love has had his top four wide receivers active for the same game. The Packers also declared WR Malik Heath, CB David Long Jr., S Benny Sapp III, LB Brenton Cox Jr., and T Caleb Jones inactive for Saturday.