The Green Bay Packers' defense isn't the same without Jaire Alexander. Despite passing a pregame physical, the All-Pro cornerback managed just 10 plays before exiting with the same knee injury he has been dealing with since the win over the Jacksonville Jaguars three weeks ago.
Without him, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams went after Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine in coverage, highlighting the Packers' lack of quality cornerback play beyond Alexander. Per PFF, the two allowed seven receptions on 10 targets for 70 yards.
The Packers still miss Rasul Douglas.
Fortunately, Alexander didn't suffer a significant setback despite being unable to finish the game on Sunday.
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Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander 'is going to be OK' after aggravating knee injury
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport provided an important injury update, reporting that Alexander didn't suffer a serious injury and "is going to be OK."
#Packers CB Jaire Alexander, who was ruled out because of a knee injury, is going to be OK, source said. Not serious.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 17, 2024
Essentially, a continuation of what he had been working through.
Of course, this is the best-case scenario, but it's still concerning that Alexander couldn't finish the game after three weeks of recovery. Hopefully, the Packers took the proactive approach and took him out the moment he felt pain, and an additional seven days will help him get fully healthy before a huge game against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Packers need Alexander against San Francisco's offense. Kyle Shanahan can exploit favorable matchups and will have plenty to choose from if Green Bay has to start a combination of Nixon, Valentine, or Eric Stokes.
We can add linebacker Quay Walker to that list, who continues to play every snap despite making error after error.
In the big picture, Alexander's injury status is positive news. The Packers are 7-3 and well on track to reach the playoffs, which is when they will need their All-Pro the most. He proved that last season with an interception in the Packers' wild-card win over the Dallas Cowboys.
It certainly could've ended a lot worse. This week, Green Bay has already lost rookies Jordan Morgan (shoulder injury, injured reserve) and MarShawn Lloyd (appendicitis - timetable for return uncertain). The last thing the team needed was for Alexander to face another extended absence.
The Packers host the 49ers in Week 12 but, notably, take on the Miami Dolphins four days later on Thanksgiving. That could factor into Green Bay's decision on whether Alexander plays next week.
Hopefully, he avoided any setbacks and can return when San Francisco comes to Lambeau Field.