Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Monday that the team “miscalculated” the severity of Jaire Alexander’s shoulder injury, providing an explanation for why Alexander — who suffered the injury on Nov. 5 — wasn’t put on injured reserve but has missed six consecutive games.
Alexander hurt his shoulder while diving to the ground and attempting to break up a pass during the Packers’ 20-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams. He has practiced in a limited capacity over the last month but hasn’t played in a game since Nov. 5.
LaFleur recently said that tackling was a part of the issue keeping Alexander off the field. Alexander said an injury to the shoulder can be debilitating in terms of playing the cornerback position and he considered himself “week to week.”
“Especially when you’re talking about elite corners, that’s a tough (injury) to battle,” Alexander said on Dec. 8. “I’m the type of person who always wants to put my best foot forward. I feel like if I can’t put my best foot forward, it’s tough to be out there.”
The miscalculation from the Packers was in terms of the recovery timeline. The team could have placed Alexander on injured reserve early on, forcing him to miss a minimum of four games while freeing up a roster spot.
The early prognosis must have estimated Alexander’s return within the four-week timeframe. He has practiced and been listed as questionable during five of the last six weeks (although he downgraded to out before the Giants game), so the team has left the door open to Alexander playing through the injury.
Alexander said he’s played through injuries in the past but this one to his shoulder is different.
“I’ve done that a few times this year, but with what I’ve got going on right now, it’s a little more tough,” Alexander said.
