Packers CB Jaire Alexander, LB Za'Darius Smith hopeful to play vs. 49ers

Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander. Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Packers Pro Bowl CB Jaire Alexander, LB Za'Darius Smith practice Tuesday, hopeful to play vs. 49ers

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 1/18/22

Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander and pass rusher Za'Darius Smith both earned Pro Bowl honors during the 2020 season. This season has been a different story for the duo though, as Alexander has been out since Week 4 with a shoulder injury and Smith hasn't suited up since Week 1 due to a back ailment.

Both players are on the mend, however, and could be making their return for No. 1 Green Bay's NFC Divisional round playoff game against the sixth-seeded San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night.

Matt LaFleur says Za’Darius Smith and Jaire Alexander are practicing today. Hopeful they play Saturday night. Among other healthy players returning, huge. #Packers
— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) January 18, 2022

Alexander is in his fourth NFL season and recorded 13 tackles, three passes defended and one interception through the first four weeks of the campaign. He has totaled 188 tackles, 44 passes defended and five interceptions in 48 career games.

Smith is in his seventh NFL season and third with the Packers. He has posted 227 tackles, 112 quarterback hits and 44.5 sacks in 91 career contests split between the Green Bay and the Baltimore Ravens.

In 2019, Smith had a career-high 55 tackles and 13.5 sacks. During the 2020 season, he led all Green Bay players in quarterback hits (23), sacks (12.5), tackles for a loss (12) and forced fumbles (four).

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