The Green Bay Packers, at 3-6, have quite a bit of work to do if they have any hope of getting into the NFC Playoff picture. With eight games remaining, time is, indeed, running out. Of course, their primary goal of the season is to evaluate their young roster, primarily quarterback Jordan Love. As it stands, though, they are having a hard time doing so due to the lack of quality play around him.
While much of the focus has been on the offense this season, there are also some burning questions regarding the defense. After allowing 205 rushing yards to the Pittsburgh Steelers (one of the worst rushing teams in the NFL) on Sunday, it is clear that changes need and will be made. Perhaps not this season, in the offseason.
Part of the reason for the defense’s poor performance, though, was the absences of two-time cornerback Jaire Alexander and second-year linebacker Quay Walker.
On Wednesday, one of these players returned to practice while the other remained out.
Quay Walker Returns to Practice for the Green Bay Packers While Jaire Alexander Remains Out

According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, Walker returned to practice today, but Alexander remains out with his shoulder injury. In addition, safety Rudy Ford, who did play on Sunday, was not practicing either:
Jaire Alexander still not practicing, but Quay Walker is. Rudy Ford is also not practicing after playing on Sunday.
New rookie CB Kyu Blu Kelly wearing No. 24.
Packers wearing their alternate helmets ahead of Sunday’s game, during which they’ll wear their third jersey. pic.twitter.com/kxt2cJoydz
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) November 15, 2023
While it has not yet been revealed the extent of Walker’s participation, it is a positive that he is returning to practice. While Isiah McDuffie has played well in relief, it is hard to match Walker’s tackling ability and the speed by which he goes sideline to sideline.
Without Alexander, both Carrington Valentine and Corey Ballentine played well against the Steelers. However, the team certainly misses the leadership on the field that Alexander brings, along with the moxie that the other players feed off of.
Safety play has been a pleasant surprise for the Packers this season. Even with Darnell Savage on injured reserve, Ford and the rest of the safeties have held their own. If Ford’s injury keeps him out against the Los Angeles Chargers, Jonathan Owens and Anthony Johnson Jr. will start.
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1 Comment
MLF should have fired the DC already. The GM, no matter how high the pick, will not pick an offensive player.