Jaire Alexander injury: Who will start for Packers if star CB misses time?

Who will start at cornerback for the Packers if Jaire Alexander misses time?

Outside of losing Aaron Rodgers to injury, perhaps the next worst-case scenario for the Green Bay Packers would be to lose Jaire Alexander.

The star cornerback is a game-changer for the Packers defense and one of the team’s best players, but he had to leave Sunday’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a shoulder injury. He didn’t return.

According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Alexander has “suffered an AC joint injury in his shoulder”.

The good news is he didn’t break his collarbone, an injury that would’ve sidelined him for months. But as of now, we don’t know the severity of the injury and how long it could keep him out for.

Who will replace Alexander if he can’t play in Week 5?

The Packers will be tested by a talented receiving trio of Ja’Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd, and Tee Higgins next week when they visit the Cincinnati Bengals. They could really do with having their All-Pro cornerback out there.

However, there’s a possibility he won’t be available.

First-round pick Eric Stokes should be a permanent starter regardless moving forward, and there’s no doubt he’ll be starting if Alexander is out. We can also assume Chandon Sullivan will remain the top choice in the slot.

Kevin King has missed the past two games due to a concussion. If he’s available, he would likely start with Stokes and Sullivan. A move to the slot may have to be put on hold, though, if Alexander can’t play.

If King remains out, Isaac Yiadom appears to be next in line. He filled in for Alexander against the Steelers. The only other cornerback on the roster is rookie Shemar Jean-Charles, but he’s best suited in the slot.

The Packers would almost certainly need to bring in another corner, promoting Kabion Ento from the practice squad the most obvious choice.

If both Alexander and King are out, it will likely be Yiadom starting opposite Stokes in Week 5. The Packers’ cornerback depth could really be tested against the Bengals.