Packers coach Matt LaFleur provides bleak update on Jaire Alexander

The Green Bay Packers can't catch a break with injuries this season. It's not just the number of players who have missed time but also how many key starters have suffered injuries.

Aaron Jones can only now handle a full workload after dealing with an ongoing hamstring issue. Christian Watson has missed time. Four of the Packers' five starting offensive linemen are on the injury report this week.

Unfortunately, the injuries aren't limited to the offensive side of the ball. Star cornerback Jaire Alexander has missed three games this season due to a back issue. Now, he is dealing with a shoulder injury that could keep him out of Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur didn't sound too optimistic when asked about Alexander's status on Thursday.

Jaire Alexander injury update is concerning for Packers

Alexander hasn't practiced this week, which isn't a good sign for his availability in Week 10. LaFleur's response about the injury on Thursday didn't exactly calm fans' fears.

"I'd say so, yeah," said LaFleur when asked if he was concerned about Alexander's injury.

The outlook is bleak for Sunday's game. There's a good chance the Packers will start with Carrington Valentine and Corey Ballentine at cornerback. Is there any long-term concern about Alexander's injury?

"Yeah, I don't know," said LaFleur.

Earlier in the week, he was more optimistic when discussing other injuries, like Christian Watson's status. Then, LaFleur played down any concerns of long-term injuries. When asked about Alexander on Thursday, he didn't do the same, providing surprisingly few details.

It's more concerning because Alexander missed almost the entire 2021 season due to a shoulder injury. Coincidentally, he suffered an injury against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4 that year, not returning until the playoffs, where he played eight snaps and was clearly still limited.

It's unclear whether this injury is to the same shoulder or related in any way, but it's a concern, especially after hearing LaFleur's comments.

More Packers news and analysis