Slowing down Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings’ offense is a key focus for the Green Bay Packers in Week 4, but the task may have just gotten tougher.
Jefferson, widely considered one of the top receivers in the NFL, will pose a significant threat, and the Packers will need a fully fit Jaire Alexander to contain him.
However, the Packers might be missing two of their top three cornerbacks this Sunday. As reported by Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated, both Alexander and Carrington Valentine remained on exercise bikes during Friday’s practice, while the rest of the team trained on the field.
This is certainly worrisome. After participating in limited practices earlier this week, their absence on Friday raises concerns, especially with such an important game ahead. Alexander is nursing a quadriceps injury, while Valentine is recovering from an ankle issue that sidelined him during last week’s victory against the Tennessee Titans.
What is the Packers’ plan if Jaire Alexander and Carrington Valentine miss Week 4?
In addition to having to defend Jefferson, the Packers must also be concerned about second-year receiver Jordan Addison, who might return from injury in Week 4. The potential loss of Alexander or Valentine would be significant, and it’s possible the Packers could be without both.
Eric Stokes is set to cover one of Minnesota’s outside receivers, but if Alexander and Valentine are unavailable, the options become limited. Corey Ballentine would be the most likely candidate to step into the starting lineup, though Green Bay could consider moving Keisean Nixon to the outside and utilizing rookie Javon Bullard in the slot.
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Ballentine performed well as a backup last season, particularly in Week 17 against Minnesota. According to PFF, he allowed only two receptions on eight targets for a total of 13 yards.
However, it’s a tough task for Ballentine and Stokes to shut down the Vikings’ elite receiving pair.
Regardless of who Jeff Hafley assigns to cover Jefferson, he’s likely to provide additional safety support. A combination of Alexander and Xavier McKinney could effectively contain Jefferson, forcing quarterback Sam Darnold to focus on other options.
Even if Jordan Love returns, Green Bay’s defense will need to deliver another strong showing. The challenge becomes greater without Alexander and Valentine, and the hope is that at least one of them will be available.
Should both Alexander and Valentine be unavailable, Green Bay’s cornerback depth could be exposed, an issue that GM Brian Gutekunst failed to address during the offseason—a decision that may come back to haunt the Packers on Sunday.
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