The Green Bay Packers (7-8) will play the Minnesota Vikings (7-8) in a battle that could determine which of them will make the NFL Playoffs this season. While the winner still would need to also win their Week 18 game, the loser would be all-but eliminated from the postseason. Unfortunately for the Packers, they are going into this must-in game without one of their best players.
Earlier this week, Green Bay made the decision to suspend two-time Second Team All Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander for one game as a consequence for conduct detrimental for the team. Alexander had made himself a team captain in the Packers’ Week 16 win over the Carolina Panthers and nearly blew the coin toss. He explained after the game that he did not think head coach Matt LaFleur knew he was from Charlotte and that his teammates supported his decision to go out for the toss.
Regardless of his reasoning and what his teammates may have thought about it, LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst made the decision to suspend Alexander for the Vikings’ game, even though it presents a tremendous challenge in figuring out how to stop both Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, who is reportedly going to play despite previous doubts regarding his ankle injury.
Related: Green Bay Packers: What Trading or Releasing Jaire Alexander Would Cost in 2024 and Beyond
In the days that have followed the Packers’ decision to suspend the two-time Pro Bowler, many have wondered if Green Bay and Alexander are headed towards a messy divorce. Despite what fans may believe or think about the situation, it does not sound like the organization is as concerned or conflicted.
NFL Insider Reveals the Green Bay Packers See a Future with Jaire Alexander
While some fans, and even national media members, question whether or not Alexander will be back in Green Bay next season, it does not sound like this is a question in the minds of the Packers or Alexander that he will be. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic:
“Two league sources did share that Alexander isn’t considered ‘a problem child’ in the organization, and even though he has dealt with injuries all season, he wants to play. In fact, it has been made very clear the Packers look forward to him being back in the lineup in Week 18 and being a part of the Packers future.”
Therefore, all the talk of Alexander wanting out or the Packers looking to move on from him is just that: talk. Despite the unfortunate turn of events in Week 16, neither Green Bay nor Alexander have given up on each other.
Clearly, Alexander has been frustrated that he cannot get healthy and that the defensive play-calling is terrible when he is on the field. Similarly, the Packers were frustrated with the coin toss last week and whatever else LaFleur was referring to when he said “it’s never just one thing” when discussing the decision to suspend Alexander.
However, it is clear to people familiar with the player and team that neither views these issues as long-term concerns.
Neither should fans.
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