This had the makings of a matchup worth the price of admission. Two of the best players in professional football at their positions going up against each other in a game with high stakes. A year ago, Jaire Alexander locked down Justin Jefferson in the Lambeau Field rematch of a game where Jefferson torched the Packers at US Bank Stadium. Both all star players had battled injuries this season but returned in recent weeks. With playoff hopes for both the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings still alive, the prime time show will involve just one. If Alexander wants to be there Sunday night, he’ll have to pay admission to watch.
General Manager Brian Gutekukunst placed Alexander on the Reserve/Suspended list for this one game over conduct detrimental to the team. Gutekunst issued a statement saying his actions prior to the Carolina game last week led us to take the step. It apparently wasn’t the only reason.
After Wednesday’s practice, Head Coach Matt LaFleur offered the first public comments on the decision he was a part of and supported.
Reaction in the locker room was tempered as you might expect. Teammates like Eric Stokes and even quarterback Jordan Love were asked about the suspension. Stokes said he’s still supportive of his “brother” in the secondary but has no say in questioning the decision of management. Love called Alexander a great teammate but it’s incumbent on everyone else to prepare themselves for Sunday’s big game.
What’s one more distraction in a season full of them, from injuries to De’Vondre Campbell’s ultimatum social post or Joe Barry’s job status. The Packers are plowing full speed ahead planning to neutralize a top tier receiving target without their best cover corner.
There was encouraging news on the offensive side of the ball as Jayden Reed returned to practice while Dontayvion Wicks and Christian Watson stretched with the team before staying inside to work with the rehab group. Watson, Wicks, Campbell and Elgton Jenkins did not participate in practice.
The list of limited participants included A.J. Dillon, Aaron Jones and Luke Musgrave on offense. Musgrave took part in team drills for the first time since suffering a lacerated kidney on November 11. Darnell Savage returned to practice after missing the last couple of games, a welcome sight for the reeling secondary. Kingsley Enegbare, Jonathan Owens, Robert Rochelle, Quay Walker and T.J. Slaton were also limited.
The two full participants were players designated to come off injured reserve, offensive tackle Luke Tenuta and running back Emmanuel Wilson.
