Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander has undergone knee surgery, effectively ending his season. Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed on Wednesday that the team doesn’t expect Alexander to return this year. Alexander had been recovering from a torn posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in his right knee, which he injured on October 27 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Although the team initially hoped for a quick recovery, Alexander was not placed on injured reserve at the time. However, despite his efforts, he continued to experience swelling and discomfort in the knee.
LaFleur stated that Alexander’s surgery was likely to keep him out for the remainder of the season. According to sources, Alexander might only have a chance to return if the Packers make it to the Super Bowl. Alexander attempted to play through the injury, briefly returning in mid-November, but after just 10 snaps against the Chicago Bears, he was forced to stop. Although he had participated in practices leading up to recent games, he was consistently ruled out.
Alexander, who was an All-Pro in 2020 and 2022, has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons. In the last two years, he has played just 14 regular-season games, with a shoulder injury in 2021 limiting him to just four games. This season, in seven games, he recorded two interceptions, including a pick-six against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3.
With Alexander sidelined, the Packers will rely on cornerbacks Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and Eric Stokes. Valentine has been particularly effective recently, recording an interception in two of the last three games. Stokes, who has shared a locker room with Alexander since his rookie year, expressed his support for his teammate, texting him about how much he understood the disappointment of being sidelined.
As for Alexander’s future with the team, his current contract includes two more years remaining on a four-year, $84 million extension signed in 2022. However, with no guaranteed money left, the Packers may decide to part ways with him after this season, especially considering his substantial salary in the coming years ($17.5 million in 2024 and $19.5 million in 2026).
Meanwhile, the Packers are preparing for the final game of the regular season against the Bears, with their playoff position already secured. LaFleur emphasized that he would approach the game as any other, while also being mindful of players dealing with injuries, including safety Zayne Anderson, defensive end Brenton Cox Jr., receiver Christian Watson, linebacker Quay Walker, and safety Evan Williams, who were all sidelined in practice on Wednesday.
