Packers to Face Lions Without Former All-Star Cornerback
Injury to Jaire Alexander Weakens Packers Secondary
The Green Bay Packers will be without star cornerback Jaire Alexander when they travel to Detroit to face the Lions on Monday Night Football. Alexander suffered a groin injury in last week's win over the Bears and has been ruled out for the game.
Alexander is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and his absence will be a major blow to the Packers' defense. He has allowed just one touchdown pass in 130 coverage snaps this season and has been targeted only 10 times.
The Packers will likely start Rasul Douglas in Alexander's place, but he is a significant downgrade. Douglas has allowed 11 catches on 18 targets this season, including two touchdowns.
The Lions have a talented passing attack led by quarterback Jared Goff and wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and DJ Chark. They will likely try to exploit the Packers' weakness at cornerback by targeting Douglas frequently.
The Packers will need to find a way to generate pressure on Goff and force him into making mistakes if they want to win without Alexander. They also need to hope that Douglas can play well enough to limit the Lions' passing attack.
Other Notable Packers Injuries
In addition to Alexander, the Packers will also be without wide receiver Christian Watson (hamstring) and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (ankle).
Watson has been a key part of the Packers' offense this season, and his absence will be a blow. He has caught 19 passes for 412 yards and four touchdowns in just six games.
Wyatt has been a solid contributor on the Packers' defensive line, and his absence will also be felt. He has recorded 14 tackles and one sack in six games this season.
The Packers will need to find a way to overcome these injuries if they want to beat the Lions and improve to 4-3 on the season.