Jaire Alexander being carted off the field is a sight no Packers fan ever wants to see. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what we witnessed during today’s 27-17 victory.
His injury came late in the third quarter after he delivered a hard hit on the Steelers’ powerhouse running back Najee Harris. Alexander was down for several minutes, seemingly in pain. He walked to the sidelines and into the medical tent under his own power before ultimately being carted to the locker room. Green Bay listed him as “questionable” but Alexander did not return.
What We Know
NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo broke the news first on Twitter, saying Alexander allegedly “suffered an AC joint injury in his shoulder.” He added that there will be further evaluations on Monday to determine how serious the injury is.
#Packers CB Jaire Alexander is believed to have suffered an AC joint injury in his shoulder, sources say. More evaluations to come to see how bad it is but that’s the initial diagnosis.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 3, 2021
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint connects two bones: the clavicle (also known as collarbone) and the scapula, which is part of the shoulder blade. Where the shoulder blade and the clavicle intersect is the acromion; where the clavicle and the acromion meet is the AC joint.
Separations and fractures are among the most common conditions affecting the AC joint, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Exact details of Alexander’s diagnosis are still unknown, but more information will likely be released in the coming days.
Even head coach Matt LaFleur was unsure of what the future holds for Alexander. “I have no idea, I have not heard yet. I am hoping he is OK,” LaFleur said after the game, when asked for an update on the injury and whether it could be season-threatening.
Ooof, Matt LaFleur refused to rule out “worst case scenario” as it was asked of him about Jaire Alexander’s injury.
Confirms it’s a shoulder. Will update again Wednesday.
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) October 4, 2021
What This Means
Without knowing the extent of the damage to the AC joint, it’s impossible to guess how much time Alexander may be forced to miss. All we can say with absolute certainty is that any injury to the Packers’ best cornerback – perhaps one of the most talented in the league – is bad news. Losing #23, even just for a week or two in the best-case scenario, would be a huge blow to Green Bay’s defense, as well as their already thin secondary.
We can all rejoice in the Packers defeating Pittsburgh to nab their third straight win, but sadly, it didn’t come without a cost.
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