Packers edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare feared to have torn ACL in win over Dallas
The Green Bay Packers fear edge rusher Kingsley “JJ” Enagbare tore his ACL in the team’s victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Enagbare is now doubtful for the next round of the playoffs. He had one tackle in the 48-32 victory over Dallas in the Wild Card round and was a major contributor to the defense this season.
“My heart hurts right now for (him),” head coach Matt LaFleur said on Sunday night. “It doesn’t look good for him.”
The former fifth-round pick out of South Carolina worked into the Packers defensive line rotation this season after a solid rookie performance. He closed out the 2022 season for the Packers with the most pressures on the team over the last eight games. This season, he had 37 tackles with two sacks, eight tackles for loss and a forced fumble.
Enagbare put together a successful collegiate career for the Gamecocks – totaling 121 tackles over four seasons with the program. Enagbare had a strong season in 2021, as he made 44 tackles to go along with 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
After the draft, he kept up the success with the Packers. As a rookie, he posted 31 tackles with three sacks in 17 games played. The former Gamecock is playing for Green Bay on a four-year deal worth $3.9 million. His contract doesn’t have a fifth-year extension so unless the Packers trade him early, he’s locked in through 2025.
Packers CB Jaire Alexander re-aggravates ankle injury
Jaire Alexander came into the Sunday’s game with an ankle injury, but persevered throughout the week and gave a shutout to the training staff in his post-game press conference. He had quite the game even though he had to make an early exit.
“All week. Probably about five hours (a day) in the training room,” Alexander said. “It’s a testament to also the training staff. Man, the training staff got me out there. They knew the importance of this game and I wanted to play so bad. So I was in treatment about 5-6 hours every day and then at night more treatment. So it’s just a testament to God.”
Alexander picked off Prescott on the Cowboys’ second possession. It was after Green Bay punted and only led 7-0. Safe to say, it was a timely turnover because the Packers put their foot on the gas pedal and didn’t let Dallas get into the game.
The Packers are now clear to move on to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. They’ll face the No. 1-seed San Francisco 49ers on Saturday at 8: p.m. ET in California.