The Green Bay Packers need Jaire Alexander back in the worst way.
He missed both games against the Minnesota Vikings this season, and it showed. Despite making an encouraging start, Green Bay's defense had little answer for Minnesota's offense in Week 17. Sam Darnold completed 33 passes for 377 yards and three touchdowns with an interception.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley shifted attention to Justin Jefferson, which still didn't prevent him from catching eight passes for 92 yards, but it also allowed the Vikings to target favorable matchups. Jalen Nailor and Jordan Addison combined for 150 yards and two touchdowns on 11 receptions.
Having Alexander fully healthy would've been game-changing. At his All-Pro best, Alexander can limit Jefferson's production. Per Next Gen Stats, he has only covered Jefferson one-on-one 23 times in his career, but the Vikings' star receiver made only one catch for 12 yards in that time.
Had Alexander been healthy, it would've allowed the Packers to shift more attention to the Vikings' other talented receivers.
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The Packers hope to get Alexander back in time for the playoffs, but Matt LaFleur's latest comments hardly provided much optimism.
Matt LaFleur's non-answer on Jaire Alexander's status is concerning for Packers in playoffs
Despite the initial reporting suggesting that Alexander's injury wasn't serious after the Week 11 win over the Chicago Bears, he hasn't played in the six games since.
On Monday, a reporter asked LaFleur whether Alexander could play in the postseason.
"I don't know. As soon as I know, I'll let you guys know," said LaFleur. "I can't really get into all that. I do know that he's been dealing with swelling. He doesn't feel right to go out there and play."
LaFleur hasn't provided any details, but Alexander had been practicing in full in recent weeks, which seemed to indicate he was close to returning. In Week 16, Alexander logged three full practices and landed a questionable designation, suggesting he had a chance to play. However, last week, he went from full to limited to not practicing, and now, his status is unclear.
Was there a setback? Are the Packers just being cautious? Until they provide more information, we have no idea what's going on.
But LaFleur's tone didn't sound particularly encouraging. We can assume Alexander won't play in the regular-season finale, regardless of how he feels, as the Packers don't even control their own destiny in regards to the No. 6 seed.
With potential rematches against the Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, or Detroit Lions to come, losing Alexander for the playoffs would significantly hurt the Packers' chances of making a run. They failed to address cornerback in the offseason and banked on Alexander staying healthy.
LaFleur remains non-committal on whether Alexander will return for the postseason. One has to wonder whether he will play another snap for the Packers.