Fansided

5 players the Saints need to play well to beat Packers

By Aryanna Prasad

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 14: Jameis Winston #2 of the New Orleans Saints looks on during the second half of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 14: Jameis Winston #2 of the New Orleans Saints looks on during the second half of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Saints rumors, Kwon Alexander
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 06: Kwon Alexander #58 of the New Orleans Saints breaks up a pass to Jaeden Graham #87 of the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 06, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

While it’s still not official whether or not linebacker Kwon Alexander will grace the field in Week 1, his presence has the potential to make a significant difference in the game.

Alexander will be entering his seventh year in the NFL following a devastating Achilles injury that sidelined him during a Christmas Day matchup last season.

“Yeah, I’m playing this week, for sure,” Alexander said during a recent press conference, professing his health and ability to perform in the season opener. Head coach Sean Payton seemed more hesitant to confirm his status, but that could be strategic. Alexander has been recovering for the past eight months, so as long as he’s training as regularly as he claims, his body is likely ready to take on NFL tackles in upcoming games.

Notably, his injury hasn’t shifted his position on the team: Alexander is still listed as the first weakside linebacker on the Saints depth chart.

After four years in Tampa Bay and a season in San Francisco, Alexander joined the Saints squad in 2020. During his seven-game stint, Alexander recorded four passes defended, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and 27 tackles.

Needless to say, Alexander made an impact on a Saints defense that needs support for additional stars like Cameron Jordan and Marshon Lattimore. With Alexander’s return, a forced turnover could guarantee a win for New Orleans.

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