Packers: 5 things to watch in second preseason game vs. Steelers

1. Jaire Alexander debut

On Thursday night we could see the debut of the Packers’ first-round pick Jaire Alexander. Alexander will be an important part of the secondary in the coming years, and he could get his first live game test this week.

According to Michael Cohen of The Athletic, Alexander practiced in pads on Sunday, which could be a sign he’ll be ready for the game on Thursday. The rookie missed last week’s preseason opener due to a groin injury.

Alexander has already impressed his teammates, as ESPN of Rob Demovsky reported. According to Demovsky, veteran corner Davon House had high praise for the first-round pick:

"“Everyone likes him; very likable kid,” House said. “He’s eager, very coachable. We feed off of him. The energy he brings to the locker room, to the field when he makes plays, it’s always positive.”"

Can Alexander make the type of impact on this Packers defense that Marshon Lattimore did in New Orleans a year ago? Lattimore was named the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and went to the Pro Bowl. He helped a Saints defense that was No. 32 against the pass in 2016 improve to No. 15 in the same category a year later.

The Packers will be hoping Alexander can have an equally fast start in Green Bay.

If he’s healthy and ready to go, he could get his first experience of a live game at Lambeau Field on Thursday night.