The Packers have played most of this season without some of their best players, but the team will move another Pro Bowl talent back to its active roster. Jaire Alexander will be activated from IR on Wednesday, Matt LaFleur said (via The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman, on Twitter).
Alexander has been out since Week 4 with a shoulder injury. The Packers’ impending activation adds up, since Alexander must be moved back onto their 53-man roster by this afternoon or revert to season-ending IR.
Joining David Bakhtiari and Za’Darius Smith in not factoring into Green Bay’s recent push for the NFC’s bye, Alexander is not a lock to return to action this week. LaFleur is eyeing a “gradual” return for the fourth-year veteran, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com tweets. The Packers activated Bakhtiari weeks ago but have not seen him suit up yet. Smith remains on IR. That said, Alexander returning to practice three weeks ago marked a good sign for his late-season availability.
The team has held out hope both Alexander and Smith will be back this season. Alexander opted against undergoing a shoulder surgery that would have ended his season in October. While the Packers have seen his recovery take extensive time, they have nevertheless managed to remain atop the NFC without a few cornerstone players.
A 2018 first-round pick, Alexander broke through last season for his first Pro Bowl. The Louisville product is Green Bay’s top cornerback, but the team invested a first-round pick in Eric Stokes this offseason. Both Stokes and in-season pickup Rasul Douglas have played well. Alexander, however, has a longer track record of success. With his fifth-year option season looming in 2022, Alexander will be on the radar for a big-ticket extension in the offseason.
I can see Green Bay looking into a trade for Jaire in the offseason to clear cap space and add draft capital. Stokes has looked good and they can bring back Rasul Douglas as well. Green Bay is going to have to make a lot of big decisions on free agents in the next couple years including Adams, Alexander, both Smiths, Amos, Savage, Gary, and of course Rodgers. Cornerback seems to be the position they currently have the most depth at.
A trade for Jaire should come close to bringing back what the Jags got for Jalen Ramsey (maybe somewhat less with Jaire coming off the injury)
Going to be a lot of changes with the “main” roster next year compared to this, and thats not including the supposed divorce with Rodgers (and/or Adams).
I think Bahktiari could be added to the list as well, but not until after the ’22 season. Or at least a reworked deal. If I understand it at all, the Z Smith thing is going to be a mess, and I don’t see him being a Packer after this season is over. I just hope they finally move on from Kevin King.
WAHOO!!! WE NEED YOU BOI!!!
Stokes is good, but he gives up too many big plays. Start Alexander and Douglas at corner.