Packers News: 'Freak' injury puts Jaire Alexander's status for playoffs in doubt

The Green Bay Packers can't catch a break.

Ahead of a playoff matchup against one of the league's most explosive passing attacks, the Packers may lose star cornerback Jaire Alexander to a "freak" injury.

Alexander reportedly suffered an ankle injury during Wednesday's practice, placing his status for the NFC Wild Card Round in doubt.

"It was kind of a freak deal yesterday. We had mostly a jog-through and he stepped on somebody's foot and rolled his ankle. He's doing everything he can to be available. I'd say it's day-to-day," said Packers coach Matt LaFleur.

It's the worst possible news for Green Bay's defense ahead of such a challenging matchup.

Packers can't afford to lose Jaire Alexander ahead of Cowboys playoff matchup

Even if Alexander is healthy, stopping the Cowboys' offense will be a significant task. Dallas wide receiver CeeDee Lamb leads the NFL with 135 receptions, is second in receiving yards with 1,749, and third in receiving touchdowns with 12.

If Alexander is out, the Packers will need a big game from talented rookie cornerback Carrington Valentine. According to Pro Football Reference, Valentine is allowing only 57.6 percent of passes to be completed in his coverage, with quarterbacks earning an 84.8 rating against him. He has broken up nine passes and allowed only one touchdown.

However, facing an elite receiver like Lamb is a daunting challenge for any cornerback.

The Packers have already lost Eric Stokes for the season and traded Rasul Douglas to the Buffalo Bills.

While Alexander has missed 10 games due to injury and suspension this season and has struggled at times when healthy, he is still a game-changer. The Packers need their All-Pro cornerback available for such a big matchup.

Hopefully, he is OK to go against the Cowboys, but the latest update is concerning, to say the least.

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