After missing five of the last six games and playing only ten snaps when he was active, cornerback Jaire Alexander still has a shot to be back this week. On Saturday, the Green Bay Packers released the final injury report ahead of the New Orleans Saints game on Monday Night Football, and the former All-Pro defender is officially listed as questionable to play. Jaire practiced at full capacity the entire week, including on Saturday, which is a good indication about his availability. Last week, he had practiced Wednesday and Thursday, but missed Friday's practice and was ruled out.
"He practiced," head coach Matt LaFleur said after Saturday's activity. "We'll take a look at the tape and then make a decision."
Alexander suffered a PCL injury during the Jacksonville Jaguars game on October 27. He tried to return three weeks later against the Chicago Bears, but aggravated the injury. In total, he has missed five games because of the knee injury and seven games this season.
LaFleur believes that, even if Jaire has missed significant time, what he is able to do in practice will determine how much time will take for him to be at his peak in games as well.
"It all comes back down to the preparation," LaFleur pointed out. "I don't think you just magically return to form without competing and putting in the work in practice. But I do believe that if you do it in practice, then it's gonna transfer to the game."
Bad news
A worse piece of news is that rookie safety Evan Williams popped up on Saturday on the injury report with a quadricep injury. He is officially listed as questionable to play, a tough situation since Javon Bullard has been ruled out.
Bullard and off-ball linebacker Quay Walker both have ankle injuries and will be out against the Saints. They are expected to return at some point this season and haven't been placed on injured reserve, but it's unclear at this moment when they will be available.
Question marks
After 12 weeks, tight end Luke Musgrave finally has a shot at playing. The offensive weapon is getting better from his ankle injury, and the Packers opened his 21-day practice window last week. He’s officially listed as questionable to play, and Green Bay would have to activate him to the 53-man roster on Monday for him to play against the Saints. Officially, he’s still on the injured reserve.
"We'll talk about that as a staff as well," LaFleur mentioned. "I'm sure you guys will find out on Monday night."
Cornerback Corey Ballentine is still handling a knee injury he suffered against the Miami Dolphins, and he is also questionable for Monday. The backup cornerback played against the Seattle Seahawks last week, but he only had special teams snaps.
Other side
The Saints will have several offensive problems. Quarterback Derek Carr, running back Alvin Kamara, and wide receiver Chris Olave won't play. Hybrid player Taysom Hill is out for the season.
