Before flying for Dallas on Saturday, the Green Bay Packers made crucial decisions affecting injured starters Jaire Alexander and Christian Watson.
The Green Bay Packers made only one roster move before Sunday’s NFC wild-card playoff game at the Dallas Cowboys, promoting cornerback David Long Jr. from the practice squad.
As usual, there’s equal interest in the roster moves that aren’t made as in the ones that are. What that entails for two well-known rookies is as follows:.
Elevated: CB David Long Jr.
Due to a “freak” ankle injury suffered during Wednesday’s low-impact practice, starter Jaire Alexander is questionable. As a result, the Packers elevated CB David Long to provide some insurance.
About Alexander’s availability, coach Matt LaFleur stated, “We don’t know.” Our goal is to allow him enough time to work things out throughout the game. He will genuinely be decided upon at the last minute.
Alexander missed time due to back and shoulder problems, as well as a one-game ban, and only participated in seven of the 17 regular-season games. After serving his suspension, he returned and allowed only one reception in last week’s playoff-clinching victory over the Bears.
Alexander’s availability would undoubtedly be significant. This season, the Cowboys topped the NFL in scoring and dominated at home, scoring 37.3 points per contest. NFL touchdown passes were most often completed by quarterback Dak Prescott, and most receptions were made by wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
The Packers would be left with youngster Carrington Valentine, seasoned Corey Ballentine, slot player Keisean Nixon, and midseason signings Robert Rochell and Long as depth if Alexander is unable to play.
Last month, the Packers selected Long, a former third-round pick, off of Carolina’s waiver wire. He was cut last week as part of the roster adjustments required to bring running back Emanuel Wilson and tight end Luke Musgrave off injured reserve and back onto the 53-man roster.
Running back AJ Dillon (neck) was designated by the Packers as doubtful on Friday. But, with Wilson ready to contribute behind Aaron Jones and Patrick Taylor, they dismissed veteran running back Kenyan Drake off the practice squad and brought Long back to the practice squad.
Long can play in his first postseason match on Sunday after starting in the Rams’ Super Bowl victory against Cincinnati two years prior.
After one of his first sessions, Long told Packer Central, “The Super Bowl was wonderful.” As far as this squad is going, I think we hit our stride at the perfect moment. We simply rode that wave all the way into the postseason. We were able to do something exceptional because everyone bought in.
