The Green Bay Packers fell to 11-5 on the season with their 27-25 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon. While it is easy to point to the offense’s slow start as being a major reason why they lost (and it was), the defense also did not play as consistently as they are capable of playing. Green Bay’s pass rush could not get any pressure on Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, who completed 33 of 43 passes for 377 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
Four different Minnesota pass catchers had at least 68 yards receiving, Justin Jefferson leading that group with eight receptions for 92 yards.
Of course, this was the sixth consecutive game that Green Bay played without their two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander, whose absence was clearly missed as Darnold diced up the Packers secondary.
Green Bay Packers Cornerback Jaire Alexander Tore His PCL Earlier This Season
After missing 10 games in 2023 due to injury (and suspension), Alexander was hoping to make 2024 a bounce-back year, especially with a new defensive coordinator heading the ship. And he was off to a great start.
In his first six games played this season, Alexander recorded two interceptions, including his first career pick-six. He also added a fumble recovery and seven passes defended.
But in Green Bay’s Week Eight victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, he was injured in a nasty collision in the end zone. When fans saw the injury live, and again on replay, many were sure that he had torn his ACL.
Fortunately, at least as it was believed at the time, Alexander had not hurt his knee that badly and was just going to miss their next game, rest up on the Bye Week, and come back ready to finish the season.
Unfortunately, the injury was much worse than was originally reported by the team. After playing just 10 snaps in Week 11 against the Chicago Bears, it was revealed that Alexander had torn his PCL, an injury that can take months to heal, with or without surgery.
Despite being able to practice, Alexander has not played in a game since Week 11, and many fans are frustrated.
Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur Does Not Know if Jaire Alexander Will Play Again This Year
During his press conference today, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was asked if Alexander would play again this season. He responded, “Yeah, I don’t know. As soon as I know, I’ll let you guys know.”
On a follow-up question, LaFleur was asked if there is a difference in opinion between Alexander and the team on whether or not he is able to play. The Packers coach did not provide a straight answer, but did say, “I can’t really get into all that. I do know that he’s been dealing with swelling and you know, he doesn’t feel right to go out there and play.”
Of course, Packers fans will take that statement to mean whatever they want it to. However, one thing is clear: Alexander hurt his knee worse than anyone was originally told. It is unfortunate because he was having a really good year before he got hurt and, frankly, the defense misses his presence.
It is worth noting that the Packers can save $6.8 in 2025 by releasing him after the season, and that he has missed significant time in three of the last four years.
Green Bay will have a decision to make this offseason.
More Green Bay Packers News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- Former Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers May Have Already Driven a Jets Teammate Out of Town
- “May Have Played His Last Snap;” Packers Fans Get Brutal Reality Ahead of Vikings Matchup
- Packers’ Star Xavier McKinney Makes Dramatic Announcement Following Loss to Vikings
- Packers Fans Erupt Over Controversial Call
- Packers Fans Go Insane After Justin Jefferson Clearly Dropped a Key Pass
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