GREEN BAY, Wisconsin – Not only are the Packers having injury issues, they have some of their key players with injury issues, with Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander being the newest to be in danger of missing out on time.
The 2018 first-round pick left a 27:17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday with a right shoulder injury, and the Packers (3-1) on Monday weren’t ready to rule out the worst – that Alexander might be lost on indefinitely, if not for the season.
“At the moment everything is being investigated,” said Packers trainer Matt LaFleur, adding that he did not expect an update until Wednesday.
Alexander underwent tests Monday and after reviewing the results, Packers medical staff sent the scans to specialists.
“You’re just getting other opinions on how to proceed, I think that’s the best way for me to say it now,” said LaFleur.
Alexander was injured in the third quarter when he met Steelers running back Najee Harris at a four-down reception. Harris bounced off Alexander but was eventually stopped just before the first down.
If Kevin King can’t clear the concussion protocol – he’s missed the last two games – the Packers (3-1) would forego two of their best cornerbacks for Sunday’s game at the Cincinnati Bengals (3-1). They finished the Steelers game with rookie first-round pick Eric Stokes, Isaac Yiadom (who was acquired in a training camp trade this summer) and slot corner Chandon Sullivan. Stokes had his first career interception against the Steelers.
Alexander’s injury was the youngest of a key player. The Packers ended the game on Sunday without seven preferred starters: outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith (back), inside linebacker Krys Barnes (concussion), Alexander and King in defense and receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (on an injured reserve due to a Achilles tendon injury) and offensive linemen David Bakhtiari (on PUP while recovering from ACL surgery) and Elgton Jenkins (ankle) on offense. Of those seven, four were either All Pro or Pro Bowl last season.
“At the moment we have a couple of our mare players on the bench due to injuries,” said LaFleur.
Smith, who joined the injured reserve last month after playing just 18 snaps in the opening game, received surgery last week and LaFleur confirmed his season is also in jeopardy.
“We don’t know if he’s out for the year … I just know it will be a while,” said LaFleur.
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