The Green Bay Packers didn't have cornerback Jaire Alexander at practice on Wednesday. The star player didn't practice once again on Thursday, but the activity had one extra layer of concern for the defense. Off-ball linebacker Edgerrin Cooper didn't practice either.
On Wednesday, the rookie had been listed as limited at practice because of a hamstring injury. Thursday's practice was indoors. Cooper, who has played more and more snaps throughout the season, worked out on the side with a trainer.
If Cooper can't play on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, the Packers' options at off-ball linebacker are Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, Eric Wilson, and fellow rookie Ty'Ron Hopper. Former first-round pick Jamin Davis is on the practice squad.
It's not a great week to be without Cooper, since the 49ers are particularly strong attacking linebackers in coverage.
Interestingly, Edgerrin Cooper was not on the original injury report read by head coach Matt LaFleur during his press conference on Wednesday, but was added when the official document was released by the Packers hours later.
Reserve and report
On Wednesday, the Packers officially placed rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd on the reserve/non-football illness. He had been activated from the injured reserve on Monday, but it was just a procedural move for him to possibly get back later in the season.
Besides Alexander and Cooper, the Packers players listed on the report are defensive tackle Kenny Clark (toe), running back Josh Jacobs (quadricep/calf), guard Elgton Jenkins (rest), center Josh Myers (wrist), tackle Rasheed Walker (knee), safety Evan Williams (hamstring), and defensive tackle Colby Wooden (shoulder).
