Packers ‘hopeful’ to get Jaire Alexander, Za’Darius Smith back vs. 49ers

The Packers are ‘hopeful’ Jaire Alexander and Za’Darius Smith will play versus the 49ers.

Since Week 4, the Green Bay Packers haven’t have had either All-Pro defensive player Jaire Alexander or Za’Darius Smith available due to injury.

With the Packers beginning their playoff journey Saturday night versus the San Francisco 49ers, there’s a chance both star players return.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said Tuesday that he’s “hopeful” they will both be able to play against the Niners this weekend.

“We’re hopeful,” LaFleur said. “They’ll be out there today and we’ll see how they react throughout the course of the week, but certainly, yeah, that would be a great bonus for us if they’re able to go on Saturday.”

And both players were indeed on the practice field today. They weren’t the only players practicing coming off an injury, either.

According to The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman, Smith, Alexander, Billy Turner, Randall Cobb, Whitney Mercilus, and Josh Myers all practiced on Tuesday. David Bakhtiari didn’t practice, but this was due to load management so not a concern.

It’s unclear how many of this group of players will be available this week, or how limited they might be, but it’s certainly encouraging that they’re all practicing.

Alexander and Smith returning would be huge for this defense.

Last season, Alexander was an All-Pro and Pro Bowler, making 13 pass defenses and an interception, while allowing a passer rating of just 67.4 in his coverage, according to Pro Football Reference. Alexander then intercepted Tom Brady twice in the NFC Championship Game.

Smith was also an All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 2020 after making 12.5 sacks and 23 QB hits, while also forcing four fumbles.

This season, Alexander played in the opening four games before suffering a shoulder injury. Smith was active, but limited, in the season opener due to a back injury.

Getting them back against the 49ers would be huge for the Packers’ defense.