The Green Bay Packers face significant roster challenges after losing two key players, cornerback Jaire Alexander and wide receiver Christian Watson, over the weekend.
On Saturday, the team placed Alexander on injured reserve. He is required to sit out the next four games, which means he could only return if the Packers make it to the Super Bowl. Alexander has played only 10 snaps since spraining his PCL in Green Bay’s Week 8 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Watson suffered a non-contact knee injury in Sunday’s loss to the Chicago Bears. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Watson suffered a torn ACL and potentially other damage to his knee. LaFleur confirmed on Monday that Watson is out for the rest of the season.
When asked about the two open spots on the roster, LaFleur said he had spoken with general manager Brian Gutekunst about that Monday morning.
“I think we’re looking at everything right now,” said LaFleur.
Obviously, it will be impossible to replace Alexander and Watson. Alexander is one of the best corners in the league when healthy, while Watson is a versatile weapon on offense whose size and speed are hard to replicate.
Plus, if the Packers want it to be someone who can potentially contribute to a playoff run, it would probably have to be a couple of players from the practice squad or players who are already familiar with their scheme.
The Packers will have to act fast if they plan on making any additions to their roster. According to the NFL calendar, beginning at 4:00 pm EST on Wednesday, January 8, team rosters will be frozen for clubs participating in the postseason with limited exceptions.