Eagles Exclude Jaire Alexander from Monday Night Matchup Against Packers
The Philadelphia Eagles are set to face the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football, but they will do so without their latest cornerback addition, Jaire Alexander. The team announced on Sunday that Alexander has been ruled out for the game and will not travel to Lambeau Field.
Alexander’s exclusion is officially categorized as a knee issue combined with a coach’s decision. Just last Monday, the Eagles acquired Alexander from the Ravens in a trade that involved a seventh-round pick in 2027 in exchange for a sixth-round pick in 2026. Before joining the Ravens, Alexander had a successful seven-year stint with the Packers, who selected him in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Evaluating the Reasons for Alexander’s Absence
The decision to leave Alexander behind raises questions. While the Eagles are taking a cautious approach, it appears that he is still acclimating to the team’s defensive system. This aligns with the common practice of allowing players time to transition effectively, especially following recent acquisitions.
Interestingly, other players have made rapid adjustments to new systems. For instance, Sauce Gardner, who was traded to the Colts, quickly adapted and performed admirably in his first game with the team. Alexander previously remarked on the learning curve involved in mastering a new playbook, stating, “I think it’s just more so getting some plays I’m familiar with, and once I get the plays I’m familiar with, then we can build on that.” His commitment to learning is evident, as he noted, “I’m here all day, so I’m learning.”
Physical Condition and Game Readiness
Despite expressing that he felt physically good, Alexander’s recent knee surgery last December and lack of recent game action could be influencing factors in his absence. The Eagles may be prioritizing his long-term health and readiness over immediate participation. In a similar situation, veteran Brandon Graham did not play in his first game back after unretiring, allowing him time to regain full form.
With eight games left in the season, the Eagles might be exercising caution to ensure Alexander is at peak performance, both physically and within Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme before his on-field debut.
Cornerback Depth in Alexander’s Absence
The Eagles now face uncertainty regarding their outside cornerback position following Alexander’s decision to stay in Philadelphia. Kelee Ringo may step into the starting role, or the team could opt for Adoree Jackson, who is cleared from concussion protocol.
Additionally, Michael Carter could be utilized in the slot during nickel packages, with Cooper DeJean maintaining an outside position when those alignments are called into play. Given the reluctance to deploy Alexander, the Eagles may prefer to hold off on giving Carter a significant role until he fully adapts to the new system.
As the Eagles prepare for their matchup against the Packers, the absence of Jaire Alexander adds both intrigue and challenge to their defensive strategy moving forward.
