The Green Bay Packers could miss Jaire Alexander for a huge matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Early reports indicate that his knee injury isn't serious, but he remains a doubt for this week's game.
Alexander returned from injury against the Chicago Bears but could only manage 10 plays before exiting. He didn't practice on Wednesday, leaving his status up in the air for Week 12. Head coach Matt LaFleur said they will give him until the end of the week, but it's far from ideal.
"We'll see. We'll give him through the week like we always do," said LaFleur. "You're talking about an elite player at the position, so it's definitely tough when he's not out there."
LaFleur expressed confidence in backup Carrington Valentine, who he believes has "huge upside." The second-year cornerback has moved ahead of Eric Stokes on the depth chart and could get the start against the Niners if Alexander is unable to go.
Many of the same players from last week are on the injury report, although rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper is a new addition. Here is the Packers' first injury report for Week 12:
Player | Position | Injury | Wed. |
|---|---|---|---|
Jaire Alexander | CB | Knee | DNP |
Kenny Clark | DL | Toe | LP |
Edgerrin Cooper | LB | Hamstring | LP |
Josh Jacobs | RB | Quad/Calf | LP |
Elgton Jenkins | G/T | NIR-Rest | LP |
Josh Myers | C | Wrist | LP |
Rasheed Walker | T | Knee | LP |
Evan Williams | S | Hamstring | LP |
Colby Wooden | DL | Shoulder | LP |
Note: DNP = Did Not Participate; LP = Limited Participation; FP = Full Participation
Edgerrin Cooper's status is worth monitoring ahead of Packers' game vs. 49ers
The Packers already have a linebacker problem with Quay Walker continuing to struggle. The last thing they need is for Cooper, who has made a big impact already this season, to miss any time.
It's too early in the week to hit any panic buttons, especially as Cooper was limited and didn't miss practice entirely. But it's something to monitor throughout the week, especially as hamstring injuries can be difficult. Hopefully, it's just a precautionary move and not something that will keep the rookie out of any games.
The Packers won't have rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd for a while. They activated him from injured reserve but placed him on the non-football illness list due to appendicitis. It means he must miss another four games before being able to return in Week 16 against the New Orleans Saints.
Beyond the addition of Cooper, there aren't too many concerns on the injury report.
Everyone except for Alexander practiced, and many of the Packers' injured players played last week, including Evan Williams. As always, we'll get a better indication later in the week.