Just when it looked like Jaire Alexander was preparing to return from injury, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur crushed any hope.
Despite practicing in full on Wednesday and Thursday, Alexander didn't practice on Friday and won't play on Sunday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks. LaFleur made the decision but noted Alexander didn't suffer any setbacks.
The Packers have learned from their previous mistake. They rushed Alexander back from injury against the Chicago Bears, but he lasted only 10 plays before having to exit the game. He hasn't played since.
With the Packers closing in on a playoff berth, it makes sense to give Alexander all the time he needs to get fully healthy.
"Just based on what I saw over the last couple of days, I didn't feel like he was ready to play," said LaFleur. "There's certain requirements to get out there and go play, certain speeds and whatnot. When you're not hitting them, you're not ready to play."
"I knew that this could be a possibility. I just didn't want to have another situation like Chicago," said LaFleur, referring to Alexander only managing 10 plays.
Packers making the right decision with Jaire Alexander in Week 15
It's frustrating to miss Alexander for another week, especially in such a challenging matchup against DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but the Packers have got it right.
If Alexander isn't ready, he isn't ready. It's that simple. He is recovering from a PCL tear, which requires time and patience, so rushing him back makes no sense. The Packers need him for a playoff run. Bringing him back now at less than 100 percent doesn't help anyone and risks further injury that would keep him out of the postseason.
Of course, it doesn't help the Packers this week.
Seattle's receiving trio of Metcalf, Smith-Njigba, and Tyler Lockett can stress any defense. The Packers will continue to feature Eric Stokes, and the Seahawks will likely go after the former first-rounder.
The good news is that rookie Evan Williams has cleared the concussion protocol and should return on Sunday night. He takes some of the pressure off by starting alongside All-Pro candidate Xavier McKinney at safety.
LaFleur also hinted at Edgerrin Cooper returning, which will help fix some of the middie-of-the-field problems the Packers have faced.
It hurts to lose Alexander for another week, but let him get fully healthy and ready for the playoffs. That's when the Packers need him the most.
