All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander missed practice for the second straight day Thursday, nursing a knee injury. He’s not the only one absent from Green Bay’s defense. The Packers’ middle linebacker, Edgerrin Cooper, also missed practice due to a hamstring injury.
Alexander left last week’s win vs. the Chicago Bears early after re-aggravating a knee injury. He previously missed Week 9 against the Detroit Lions with knee concerns. So, this does not bode well for his chances of suiting up against the 49ers
Meanwhile, Cooper might be even more important to the Packers defense. He roams the second level and is used to spy on occasion. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is among the league leaders at quarterback to take off on third down and pick up a fresh set of downs with his legs.
Cooper ranks fourth on the team with 52 tackles. He is also third on the team with two and a half sacks and second with five tackles for loss.
The 49ers are reeling, coming off an embarrassing home loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The loss dropped the reigning NFC champions to 5-5, with wild card hopes slipping away. However, if San Fran defeats Green Bay on Sunday, they will be one game back with the tie-breaker in hand.
Alternatively, if Green Bay can pull out a win, they will exercise some demons against San Francisco and dramatically increase their chances of earning a playoff spot.
