Jaire Alexander Unlikely to Return for Packers This Season
Jaire Alexander, the Green Bay Packers’ star cornerback, has not taken the field since Week 11, and it appears his season is effectively over.
Head coach Matt LaFleur announced Wednesday that Alexander, who has been dealing with a PCL tear in his knee, is unlikely to return for the remainder of the Packers’ campaign. This update comes after Alexander underwent a knee scope to address swelling and clean out loose bodies, as reported by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. Although there’s a possibility he could recover in a few weeks, the timeline suggests that the Packers won’t see him back in action this season.
Playoff Implications
Despite Alexander’s absence, Green Bay has secured a playoff spot and will hit the road for Super Wild Card Weekend following their regular-season finale against the Chicago Bears. However, losing their two-time Pro Bowl cornerback leaves a significant gap in the defense, especially as the postseason approaches.
Alexander’s prolonged unavailability marks a tough blow for the Packers. He has already missed nine games this season, depriving the defense of one of its most talented and well-compensated players. Currently, Alexander ranks as the third-highest-paid cornerback in the NFL, earning $21 million annually.
Injury-Plagued Career
Injuries have unfortunately become a recurring theme in Alexander’s career. Over the last four regular seasons, the 26-year-old has played in just 34 of a possible 68 games. This year, his production was limited to seven games, during which he recorded 16 tackles, seven pass breakups, and two interceptions.
While Alexander remains one of the most skilled cornerbacks in the league, his availability has been a persistent issue for the Packers. The team will undoubtedly hope for a healthier 2025 season, where he can consistently showcase his elite abilities.
Looking Ahead
Green Bay’s defense faces a significant challenge heading into the postseason without Alexander. The coaching staff will need to rely on other players to step up and fill the void left by their star cornerback. As Alexander begins his rehab process, both he and the Packers will focus on ensuring he returns fully recovered and ready to make an impact next season.
For now, Green Bay must adapt to life without their Pro Bowl defender as they prepare for the critical games ahead.
