Packers: Jaire Alexander, Kevin King look set for return in Week 11
The Packers could get Jaire Alexander and Kevin King back in Week 11.
While the Green Bay Packers‘ injury report for Week 11 is a long one and there is some uncertainty whether star wide receiver Davante Adams will play, there was some good news for the defense.
It’s looking increasingly likely the Packers will have their starting cornerback duo of Jaire Alexander and Kevin King available against the Indianapolis Colts.
Alexander missed last week’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a concussion. King hasn’t played since before the bye week due to a quad injury.
However, both players practiced in full on Thursday. King has been a full participant all week so far. The fact Alexander also practiced fully today is a good sign that he’s progressing through the concussion protocol.
Tomorrow will be key as the final injury report of the week comes out, but with the fact they are both practicing fully, there seems to be a good chance neither player will have an injury designation for Week 11.
The Packers were able to get away with not having their starting duo out there last week as Jags backup quarterback Jake Luton struggled. But against Philip Rivers and a talented Colts offense, getting these two back will be huge.
Alexander has shut down a number of star wide receivers this season. Whether he covers T.Y. Hilton or talented rookie Michael Pittman, Alexander plays a huge role in Mike Pettine’s defense and will make life harder for Rivers.
And for a defense that has lacked game-changing plays, the return of the Packers’ 2019 interception leader will help. King intercepted five passes last season, many at crucial moments, so let’s not forget the type of impact he can make.
Josh Jackson has impressed as King’s backup, so the flexibility to have them all available with Chandon Sullivan in the slot would put the secondary in a great position.
We’ll find out Alexander and King’s game status on Friday, but the fact they’re both practicing fully is a great sign.