Packers get the worst possible injury news ahead of Vikings matchup in Week 4

Stopping Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings' offense is a priority for the Green Bay Packers in Week 4. That challenge may have just become significantly more difficult.

Jefferson is arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL, and the Packers need a healthy Jaire Alexander to limit his production.

However, the Packers could be without two of their top three cornerbacks on Sunday. According to Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated, Alexander and Carrington Valentine stayed inside on the exercise bikes while the rest of the team went out to practice on Friday.

That's concerning, to say the least. They had previously logged consecutive limited practices this week, so sitting out of Friday's session is less than ideal with such an important game coming up. Alexander is dealing with a quadricep injury, while Valentine is still recovering from an ankle issue that kept him out of last week's win over the Tennessee Titans.

What is the Packers' plan if Jaire Alexander and Carrington Valentine miss Week 4?

Along with having to cover Jefferson, the Packers also need to worry about second-year receiver Jordan Addison, who could make his return from injury in Week 4. Losing Alexander or Valentine would hurt, but the Packers could miss both.

Eric Stokes will cover one of Minnesota's outside receivers, but the options become limited if Alexander and Valentine miss the game. Corey Ballentine is the obvious replacement in the starting lineup, although Green Bay could ask Keisean Nixon to move outside and use rookie Javon Bullard in the slot.

More Packers

Ballentine played well as a backup last season, including in the Week 17 game against Minnesota. Per PFF, he allowed only two receptions on eight targets for 13 yards.

But it's still a big ask for Ballentine and Stokes to shut down the Vikings' outstanding receiving duo.

No matter who Jeff Hafley has covering Jefferson, he will likely also provide safety help. An Alexander/Xavier McKinney could effectively limit Jefferson, putting pressure on quarterback Sam Darnold to prioritize other matchups.

Even if Jordan Love returns, Green Bay needs its defense to put in another strong performance. That becomes more daunting without Alexander and Valentine. Hopefully, at least one of them can go.

If Alexander and Valentine miss the game, the Packers' lack of cornerback depth could become a real problem. GM Brian Gutekunst failed to address the issue in the offseason, and it could come back to haunt the Packers on Sunday.

More Packers news and analysis