Jaire Alexander and Za'Darius Smith Injury Updates Give Packers Big Boost Against 49ers

BAH GAH IS THAT… IS THAT JAIRE ALEXANDER AND ZA’DARIUS SMITH’S MUSIC?! Yes. Yes it is.

Head coach Matt LaFleur provided an update today ahead of the Green Bay Packers’ NFC divisional round clash with the San Francisco 49ers, saying that he’s “hopeful” that both Alexander and White will play on Saturday. 

Jaire Alexander and Za’Darius Smith Are Star Players on Defense

Alexander has been one of the best corners in the league in recent years. Last year, during the playoffs, Alexander was as good as it gets, allowing only two catches for 16 yards on seven targets. Two of the other five targets that went his way, he intercepted. He had a passer rating allowed of 0.0. Yes, he’s good.

Smith is no joke on the exterior line either. Last year, Smith saw the second-highest double team rate of all edge defenders at 27.7%. He commands a lot of attention and is capable of wrecking a game.

One thing to monitor — how will Green Bay adjust their defensive alignment when they get Alexander back? He, Rasul Douglas and Eric Stokes are all perimeter cornerbacks. They will need to find a way to put all three of them in positions to succeed.

Alexander hasn’t played since Week 4, and Smith hasn’t played since Week 1. Without them, their defense has had a solid season. Green Bay is 13th in scoring defense and 14th in Dropback EPA,  but if Green Bay gets back these two star players, it’s a huge boost to their defense before taking on a complex and varied Kyle Shanahan offense.

The Packers are six-point favorites against the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round at WynnBET Sportsbook.