ARLINGTON, Texas – With the season on the line, Jaire Alexander wasn’t about to miss this game.
While a true game-time decision due to an ankle injury he suffered during a Wednesday jog-through, Alexander practically lived in the Packers’ training room this week in order to be ready for Sunday’s NFC Wild Card game in Dallas.
And it’s a good thing he did. The two-time All-Pro cornerback’s first-quarter interception of Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott served a crucial moment in the seventh-seeded Packers’ 48-32 upending of No. 2 Dallas at AT&T Stadium.
Alexander’s INT on a slant intended for receiver Brandin Cooks gave Green Bay’s offense the ball at the Dallas 19. A few minutes later, Aaron Jones punched in a 1-yard touchdown run to stake the Packers to a 14-0 lead a minute in the second quarter.
When asked afterwards what his week was like in preparation for this game, Alexander provided the full rundown.
“All week. Probably about five hours (a day) in the training room,” Alexander said. “It’s a testament to also the training staff. Man, the training staff got me out there. They knew the importance of this game and I wanted to play so bad. So I was in treatment about 5-6 hours every day and then at night more treatment. So it’s just a testament to God.”
Injuries have unfortunately played a significant role in Alexander’s sixth NFL season. He suffered a back injury in practice that hampered him early on before developing a shoulder injury against the Los Angeles Rams that sidelined him for a month.
It wasn’t until last week that Alexander finally was able to be a full participant in practice. He chalked up his ankle injury to adversity and a personal challenge “to come out on top.” Facing a dangerous Dallas team, Alexander’s INT seemed to have a domino effect on the rest of Green Bay’s defense.
Later in the half, safety Darnell Savage picked off Prescott and returned it 64 yards for a touchdown to give the Packers a commanding 27-0 lead with less than two minutes remaining in the first half.
“Ja is elite. Ja is one of the best corners in this game,” defensive lineman Kenny Clark said. “The story ain’t changed with him. Every time he’s out there, he’s making an impact and helping our team get better. We love him. We love having him out there for the team.”
Unfortunately, Alexander aggravated the ankle injury with a little more than five…
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