Packers star in danger of missing wild-card game after suffering 'freak' injury in practice

The Packers (9-8) are preparing for their wild-card matchup against the Cowboys (12-5) on Sunday. However, they may be without one of their top defenders, who suffered a "freak" injury in practice this week.

Head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters that All-Pro CB Jaire Alexander suffered an ankle injury on Wednesday and is considered day-to-day.

"It was kind of a freak deal yesterday," LaFleur said. "We had mostly a jog-through and he stepped on somebody's foot and rolled his ankle. He's doing everything he can to be available. I'd say it's day-to-day."

The good news is Alexander was seen walking without a boot or noticeable limp on Thursday, per The Athletic's Matt Schneidman. But only time will tell if he will be able to go come Sunday.

Alexander hasn't had the 2023 season he was likely imagining as he's appeared in just seven games due to back and shoulder injuries and a team-imposed suspension in Week 17.

But if the 26-year-old does miss this weekend's game, it will still be a blow to Green Bay's defense, which is allowing the ninth-fewest passing yards per game (206.8). 

The Packers are facing one of the better wide receivers in the NFL in CeeDee Lamb and their secondary will be much more vulnerable with a less than healthy or inactive Alexander.

Lamb has been a big reason why the Cowboys have the third-best offense in passing yards per game (258.6). The fourth-year wide receiver has the second-most receiving yards (1,749) and third-most receiving touchdowns (12) in the league this season.

Alexander was likely planning on shadowing Lamb for most of the game, but now Green Bay must decide if he will even if he's active.

It's certainly not the news Packers fans were hoping to hear ahead of their first playoff game since the 2021 season. But they'll look to upset Dallas on the road, nonetheless, with the youngest roster in the NFL.