Packers Defense Dealt Significant Blow Before Steelers Game

Nick Farabaugh |

Nov 9, 2023

Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander has a shoulder injury that has kept him out of practice for the last two days, and it appears that the top cornerback for Green Bay is trending toward missing the team’s clash with the Steelers on Sunday. Coming into the week, Packers Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark was the one who drew concern, but he has been limited in practice the last two days with his shoulder injury.

Alexander popped up on the injury report out of nowhere but has nursed a back injury he just returned from, and Green Bay’s defense is surging with him back. While seventh-round rookie Carrington Valentine played at a high level without Alexander, Robert Rochell, and Corey Ballentine would see some playing time. The team traded Rasul Douglas to the Bills, shortening their cornerback depth, but they felt Valentine was ready for the step up, and he seemed to answer that call.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur did not seem optimistic about Alexander’s chances to play. He expressed concern about the injury and did not know if the injury would end up as a long-term problem for Alexander. In the past, he has had issues with hi right shoulder, requiring surgery on it in 2021, but it is unknown which shoulder this ailment is as of this moment.

“I’d say so,” LaFleur said when asked if there was any concern. “Two in a row not practicing.”

That trend seems to lend itself to Alexander not playing. If that happens against the Steelers, George Pickens and Diontae Johnson will have massive roles. Kenny Pickett and the passing game will hope they can get something going against an undermanned secondary that will already be missing safety Darnell Savage, who is on injured reserve with a calf injury. Alexander is on the league’s best cornerbacks, and was a critical reason the team slowed down the Rams offense last Sunday in their 20-3 victory.