Cornerback Jaire Alexander of the Green Bay Packers was taken aback by the team’s decision to suspend him for one game last week, but he thinks the event may have helped to enhance his relationship with the coaching staff as a whole. Alexander, who makes $21 million a year as the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL, was suspended following the team’s most recent victory over the Minnesota Vikings. His self-appointment as the game captain during the Dec. 24 Carolina Panthers game, in which he almost botched the pregame coin toss, resulted in the suspension.
Although Alexander’s suspension was partially due to the coin toss incident, head coach Matt LaFleur of the Packers did not reveal if Alexander had received fines for any other offenses during the season filled with injuries. Alexander underlined that his bond with the squad was unaffected by his ban when he returned to practice on Wednesday. Rather, he said, it could have made the relationship stronger.
Taking into account the lessons from the suspension, Alexander acknowledged the necessity for more communication with general manager Brian Gutekunst and the coaching staff. He promised that there would be no more of these kinds of situations and pledged to improve communication going ahead.
Alexander’s health is still unknown when it comes to his possible return to the starting lineup for the upcoming pivotal regular-season finale against the Chicago Bears. While Coach LaFleur did not offer any specifics, he did say that Alexander and he had a good talk on Monday and that he thinks Alexander is prepared to play.
This season, Alexander has struggled with back and shoulder issues that have kept him out of the game for six games. Due to a hamstring ailment, the Packers were forced to start youngsters Carrington Valentine and Corey Ballentine in the secondary against the Vikings last week. Eric Stokes, a cornerback, was also out.
Good news: Christian Watson, a wide receiver for the Packers who has missed the last four games due to a hamstring injury, returned to practice on Wednesday, giving fans optimism that he may play again soon. In order to guarantee a postseason berth, the club must win its matchup with the Chicago Bears.
