Packers' latest roster move may have confirmed nightmare Jaire Alexander scenario
The Green Bay Packers are expected to get Jordan Love back in Week 4, but that's where the good news may end regarding injuries.
Justin Jefferson and a talented Minnesota Vikings passing offense are coming to Lambeau Field. Second-year receiver Jordan Addison is also set to return from injury. The Packers couldn't have picked a worse time to suffer multiple cornerback injuries.
Green Bay effectively ruled out Carrington Valentine by listing him as doubtful on the injury report, and the latest move could indicate that Jaire Alexander, who is questionable, may also miss the game.
Alexander went from two days of limited practice to not practicing at all on Friday, which is rarely a good sign. Head coach Matt LaFleur said it was "definitely a concern."
Packers roster moves send concerning sign about Jaire Alexander's status for Week 4
On Saturday, the Packers elevated two cornerbacks from the practice squad: Robert Rochell and Kamal Hadden.
They need at least one corner to provide depth without Valentine, but promoting two suggests Alexander won't play. At the very least, it indicates his chances of playing are in serious doubt.
The Packers officially don’t elevate QB Sean Clifford for tomorrow against the Vikings, meaning Jordan Love is back.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) September 28, 2024
They did, however, elevate CBs Robert Rochell and Kamal Hadden with Jaire Alexander questionable and Carrington Valentine doubtful.
It would give Green Bay a healthy cornerback room of Eric Stokes, Keisean Nixon, Corey Ballentine, Rochell, and Hadden.
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Hopefully, the Packers are just being cautious and ensuring they have cover, but it suggests Alexander's injury is serious enough that he could miss Sunday's game.
The anticipation for a Jefferson-Jaire matchup increased after Jefferson's comments this week, but it could be the third straight Packers-Vikings game with at least one of them not playing. Losing Valentine will make the challenge of slowing down the Vikings' passing attack even greater.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will likely need to slide safety help to Jefferson's side of the field, which was a great option even with a healthy Alexander.
Hopefully, Alexander is healthy enough to play, but the Packers elevating two cornerbacks to the game-day roster is a concern. We haven't seen a matchup between Jaire and Jefferson since their famous 2022 battle when Alexander did the "Griddy" dance, and the wait may continue in Week 4.
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