Injury Blow: Packers Rule Out Two Top Defensive Players for 49ers Clash
The best cornerback and the most productive off-ball linebacker. The Green Bay Packers will have to overcome these two absences to beat the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, because Jaire Alexander and Edgerrin Cooper have been ruled out by head coach Matt LaFleur. At least, the other side is pretty affected by injuries as well, since Brock Purdy and Nick Bosa have been ruled out.
Jaire Alexander (knee)
Cornerback Jaire Alexander won’t play on Sunday against the 49ers. On Friday, one day after Alexander revealed he had a torn PCL, LaFleur said he is out this week, even though placing him on the injured reserve is not a consideration at this point.
Alexander initially got hurt during the Jacksonville Jaguars game. He missed the Detroit Lions game and was better after the bye week, practicing the entire week. However, after aggravating the issue against the Chicago Bears, he missed practice throughout this week, an indication that he wouldn’t be available to play versus the 49ers.
Jaire Alexander has missed three games in 2024, two because of a groin injury he suffered earlier this season, and the Lions game because of the knee.
Without Jaire, the Packers are expected to start Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine against the 49ers. Safety Javon Bullard will play in the slot. The other cornerbacks on the 53-man roster are Eric Stokes, Corey Ballentine, and Robert Rochell. Rookies Kamal Hadden and Kalen King are on the practice squad.
Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring)
Rookie Edgerrin Cooper is out because of a hamstring injury he suffered during Wednesday’s practice. He did not practice on Thursday and Friday. LaFleur said there is concern regarding Cooper’s availability in Week 13 as well, because it’s a short week before the Miami Dolphins game on Thanksgiving.
The Packers’ options at off-ball linebacker are Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, Eric Wilson, and fellow rookie Ty’Ron Hopper. Former first-round pick Jamin Davis is on the practice squad.
Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring)
Rookie Edgerrin Cooper is out because of a hamstring injury he suffered during Wednesday’s practice. He did not practice on Thursday and Friday. LaFleur said there is concern regarding Cooper’s availability in Week 13 as well, because it’s a short week before the Miami Dolphins game on Thanksgiving.
The Packers’ options at off-ball linebacker are Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, Eric Wilson, and fellow rookie Ty’Ron Hopper. Former first-round pick Jamin Davis is on the practice squad.
Colby Wooden (shoulder)
Defensive lineman Colby Wooden missed the Detroit Lions game because of a shoulder injury. He practiced on a limited basis on Wednesday and Thursday, but was a full participant on Friday. Now, he’s officially listed as questionable play.
Defensive tackle Kenny Clark (toe), running back Josh Jacobs (quadricep/calf), guard Elgton Jenkins (rest), center Josh Myers (wrist), tackle Rasheed Walker (knee), and safety Evan Williams (hamstring) are all off the injury report and good to go.
Other side
There are significant concerns for the 49ers as well. Quarterback Brock Purdy and edge rusher Nick Bosa have both been ruled out by head coach Kyle Shanahan. Meanwhile, left tackle Trent Williams is questionable with an ankle injury — he didn’t practice the entire week. Brandon Allen is expected to start at quarterback, and Josh Dobbs will serve as the backup.
