Packers star defensive back Jaire Alexander leaves Buccaneers game early with injury

Green Bay Packers star defensive back Jaire Alexander left the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game on Sunday afternoon with a groin injury. Per the Packers Twitter page, he has officially been ruled out for the rest of the Tampa Bay game. He’s one of the best corners in the league, so if he has to miss more time in the future, it’ll be a big loss for the Green Bay secondary. Defensive back Keisean Nixon has entered the game to replace Alexander.

Green Bay was leading Tampa Bay at halftime on Sunday, 14-3. The Packers offense had been able to move the ball surprisingly well against a very stout Buccaneers defense.

Packers CEO Mark Murphy explains Green Bay’s decision to extend Jaire Alexander

Like many Packers fans worldwide, franchise CEO Mark Murphy was thrilled to ink star cornerback Jaire Alexander to an extension. Answering questions from his team’s faithful, Murphy explained why the Packers locked-up the former Louisville star long-term.

“I was also very pleased that we were able to reach agreement with Jaire on an extension,” wrote Murphy in the offseason. “He’s been a great player for us (Pro Bowl, All-Pro) and is still young (24). I think it is always positive when you are able to draft and develop your own players, and then reward them with extensions. I think this sends a strong message to the entire team.

“Jaire was Brian Gutekunst’s first pick as our General Manager – not a bad pick. It was great to see Jaire celebrate with his family when he signed his new contract at Lambeau Field. With regard to the injury, our doctors have cleared him to play and don’t think it will affect him going forward. A shoulder injury is typically not one that will affect a cornerback’s play long-term.”

Moreover, Alexander has set the new mark for most money averaged per season for a defensive back at $21 million. All in all, the deal came out to a four-year, $84 million contract extension, with a defensive back record of a $30 million signing bonus.

It’s easy to see why Green Bay believes in the former Louisville star. In his first four seasons, Alexander has played in 48 games for the Packers. He’s recorded 188 tackles, five interceptions with 44 pass deflections. Over the first four games of 2021, he grabbed one interception with three pass deflections and 13 tackles. He didn’t record any stats after his return for the postseason.

Indisputably, Mark Murphy and the Packers believe Jaire Alexander will be anchoring their secondary for the foreseeable future. As long as he’s healthy, it looks like a safe bet the former Louisville star will be his usual lock-down self over the remainder of his time in Green Bay.

On3’s Steve Samra also contributed to this article.