Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) reacts after intercepting a pass during the first quarter of the wild card playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, January 14, 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

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Packers CB Jaire Alexander undergoes knee surgery, likely out for season

Jaire Alexander's season ends after knee surgery

Packers coach Matt LaFleur announced that cornerback Jaire Alexander is likely done for the season. Alexander suffered a torn posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in his knee. On Tuesday, he underwent arthroscopic surgery to manage pain and swelling. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Alexander’s only chance to return is if the Packers reach the Super Bowl.

Injury history and season timeline

Alexander sustained the PCL injury on October 27 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Initially thought to be short-term, the Packers did not place him on injured reserve. However, Alexander’s recovery did not progress as expected. He returned briefly in Week 11, playing only 10 snaps against the Bears. Since then, he has been sidelined.

Packers HC Matt LaFleur says CB Jaire Alexander (PCL tear) will undergo surgery and likely be out for season. pic.twitter.com/65JodQsPJN
— NFL (@NFL) January 1, 2025

This season, Alexander has missed seven of the last eight games. Over the past three seasons, he has appeared in only 34 of 68 regular-season games. The All-Pro cornerback has also dealt with previous injuries, including a shoulder issue in 2021 and a suspension last year.

Alexander’s performance and contract situation

In seven games this season, Jaire Alexander recorded two interceptions, including a pick-six in Week 3 against the Titans. Despite his talent, injuries have significantly limited his availability. He has no guaranteed money remaining on his four-year, $84 million contract extension signed in 2022. Alexander is set to carry a $25.376 million cap hit next season, leaving his future with the Packers uncertain.

If the Packers decide to move on, Alexander could have played his last game for Green Bay. His contract includes salaries of $17.5 million in 2025 and $19.5 million in 2026, but his release would save the team cap space.

Packers’ plans without Alexander

With Alexander sidelined, the Packers will rely on Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and Eric Stokes as their primary cornerbacks. Valentine has shown promise, recording interceptions in two of the last three games. Stokes expressed his support for Alexander, saying, “I know how badly he wants to be out there… Still having him there is tremendous.”

#Packers star CB Jaire Alexander, who has been dealing with a PCL tear and hasn’t played since Nov. 17, is likely out for the season, per coach Matt LaFleur. He’s set for surgery. pic.twitter.com/Hxzph3yS4H
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 1, 2025

LaFleur acknowledged Alexander’s efforts to recover, stating, “It is what it is. I feel for him. He was trying to get his knee right, and it wasn’t happening.”

Broader team concerns

The Packers have already secured a playoff spot with an 11-5 record but face key injuries. Starters like safety Zayne Anderson (concussion), defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. (foot), and linebacker Quay Walker (ankle) missed Wednesday’s practice. LaFleur emphasized balancing competitive play with caution for injured players in Sunday’s game against the Bears.

Image: Imagn Images

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Jaire Alexander knee surgery

Natasha Bose

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