The Green Bay Packers have had a rollercoaster season so far, sitting at 6-2 and looking competitive in the NFC North. But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Injuries have plagued key players, especially on defense, and it’s taken a toll on their consistency. The team’s recent bye week, though, gave them a chance to regroup and, hopefully, come back stronger as they prepare to face the Chicago Bears in Week 11.
Packers fans can breathe a little easier! Coach Matt LaFleur is “optimistic” about key players Jaire Alexander, Evan Williams, and Josh Myers returning to the field soon. Although all three missed the game against the Lions, LaFleur hinted at a potential comeback this Sunday against the Bears. Coming off a bye, the team is hopeful these crucial players will be back in action, adding some much-needed strength to both the defense and offense.
Matt LaFleur tells me he’s “optimistic” that Jaire Alexander, Evan Williams and Josh Myers will all play Sunday in Chicago coming off the bye but will give them the week. All three missed the Lions game. Full 25 minutes with the Packers head coach drops tomorrow at 6 on my show.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) November 11, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“They’re looking good, but we’ll give them a week,” LaFleur explained, emphasizing the importance of cautious preparation. Fans will get a full update directly from the head coach himself in a 25-minute segment airing tomorrow at 6 p.m. LaFleur will share more insights on the Packers’ game plan there.
One of the biggest blows to the Packers’ defense was losing star cornerback Jaire Alexander. Alexander sustained a knee injury in the fourth quarter of their Week 8 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Though initially questionable for their Week 9 matchup against the Detroit Lions, Alexander was ultimately sidelined. His absence was felt in their 10-point loss. LaFleur, however, is now “optimistic” about Alexander’s return against the Bears. He added, “coming off the bye was just what we needed.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Josh Myers, the Packers’ starting center, also missed action due to injuries. Myers has been struggling on the line this season, but he remains a crucial piece for maintaining continuity. Myers missed the Lions game before the bye, but LaFleur believes he’s ready to return. His comeback brings stability to the offensive line, which is often an underrated factor in keeping the offense cohesive.
Packers get key Boost with Alexander, Myers, and Williams returning for rivalry showdown against Bears
What’s your perspective on:
Will Jaire Alexander's return be the game-changer the Packers need against the Bears this Sunday?
Have an interesting take?
The͏ Packers are set to bring back three crucial ͏players. That too just ͏in ͏time for their hi͏gh-͏stakes matchup against the Bears. ͏Cornerback͏ J͏aire Alexander,͏ center Josh Myers, and safety Evan Wil͏liams. ͏Alexander, i͏s an es͏sential leade͏r in t͏he secondary. Hi͏s presence can bolster Green Bay’s defense, especially ͏af͏ter Ja͏red͏ Goff picked them apart in Week 9͏. “Getting͏ Jaire back cha͏nges e͏verythin͏g for o͏ur cove͏rage,” LaFleur noted, hi͏ghlighti͏ng how valuable͏ Alexander’s ͏ski͏ll is in n͏eutralizi͏ng opp͏one͏nts’ top receive͏rs.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
On the offensive line, Josh Myers’ return is a big relief after his absence left backup center Elgton Jenkins struggling in wet, rainy conditions against Detroit. Myers’ reliability and experience bring much-needed stability to Green Bay’s front, helping the offense stay balanced and connected. Meanwhile, rookie safety Evan Williams, sidelined with a hamstring injury, had been pivotal in earlier games. His return adds more depth to the secondary, giving Green Bay added flexibility.
This game is a classic NFC North showdown, steeped in nearly a century of history between the Packers and Bears.
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
Debate
Will Jaire Alexander's return be the game-changer the Packers need against the Bears this Sunday?