Packers CB Jaire Alexander Faces Extended Absence with Torn PCL
Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander has revealed that his recent knee injury is more severe than initially thought. Speaking with Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, Alexander confirmed he suffered a torn PCL that could sideline him for several weeks.
The injury occurred during Green Bay’s Week 8 victory over Jacksonville. Alexander missed the Week 9 matchup and utilized the Week 10 bye to recover. Although he practiced on a limited basis leading up to Week 11, he started against the Bears but played only 10 defensive snaps before leaving the game. Head coach Matt LaFleur had disclosed Alexander would be on a restricted snap count for the game, though expectations were for him to contribute more than just a few series.
“I stayed here the whole bye week trying to make a comeback and help the team,” Alexander told Schneidman. “It was a game-time decision, and we didn’t know until minutes before kickoff if I’d play. I gave it a shot, but after 10 plays, I felt something. PCL injuries don’t heal in three weeks, and it needed more time. Going back out there reaggravated it, so now we’re focusing on getting my knee right.”
Alexander remains hopeful he can return to his All-Pro form during the latter part of the 2024 season but acknowledged he may need additional time to fully recover.
A former first-round pick, Alexander has been among the league’s elite defensive backs, highlighted by standout seasons in 2020 and 2022. However, injuries have derailed other campaigns. He was limited to four games in 2021 due to a shoulder injury and appeared in only seven games in 2023, dealing with back, shoulder, and groin issues, along with a one-game suspension.
In Alexander’s absence, Keisean Nixon has secured a starting cornerback role, while Carrington Valentine has recently overtaken Eric Stokes as the team’s third option in the secondary.
