The Green Bay Packers returned to practice on Wednesday to prepare for the huge NFC matchup against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Overall, the team is pretty much healthy, still taking advantage of the bye week before the Chicago Bears game. But there is one significant concern.
Cornerback Jaire Alexander did not practice. He was at practice the entirety of last week and was active against the Bears, but was on a snapcount and left the game early. Alexander injured his knee on October 27, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and missed the Detroit Lions game in the following week.
The rest of the week should determine if Jaire Alexander will play or not, since there hasn’t been any aggravation of the injury. Head coach Matt LaFleur said on Monday that Alexander simply felt like he couldn’t be on the field.
Depth options
Against the Bears, the Packers played Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine in the boundary after Alexander left the game, with safety Javon Bullard in the slot. That will probably be the lineup again on Sunday if the All-Pro isn’t healthy.
The other cornerback options on the 53-man roster are Eric Stokes, Corey Ballentine, and Robert Rochell. The practice squad has rookies Kamal Hadden and Kalen King.
Other injury updates
Running back MarShawn Lloyd, who was activated from injured reserve on Tuesday but is recovering from appendicitis, was on a treadmill. It’s not clear at this point when he will be able to play or if the Packers will place him back on the reserve.
Meanwhile, defensive tackle Colby Wooden, who missed the Bears game with a shoulder injury, was back at practice — a good first sign that he will be available on Sunday.