With a multi-score lead against the Dallas Cowboys, the Green Bay Packers are just a quarter away from reaching the second round of the NFL playoffs. Despite the good news on the scoreboard, the Packers ruled cornerback Jaire Alexander questionable to return after he appeared to re-aggravate his ankle late in the third quarter.
The defensive star was a game-day decision to play after he suffered an ankle sprain during a light practice day on Wednesday. He did not participate in practice on Friday as the shoulder and ankle injuries kept him off the field.
Having the highest-paid cornerback in the league available against the explosive Cowboys offense proved huge for Green Bay in the first half. He came up big with an interception on Dak Prescott. He nearly returned it for six points but the referees ruled him down after the catch. Still, the Packers offense turned the big play around for seven anyway with Aaron Jones‘ second touchdown run of the night.
Alexander has battled through injuries this season. He’s played in only seven games, including three contests to deal with a back injury. Coincidentally, he suffered that injury in practice when he collided with Alex McGough, a quarterback on the practice squad who also subs in at safety.
Alexander also needed to miss six Packers games because of a shoulder problem. But he was back last Sunday for the Packers’ key win over the Bears to clinch the wildcard berth. He played every defensive snap.
Green Bay is lucky to have a two-score lead over Dallas because they may also have to play the fourth quarter without linebacker Isaiah McDuffie. McDuffie had six tackles before going to the sideline with a stinger.
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