Steelers' Week 10 Opponent Green Bay Packers Dealing With Potential Game-Altering Injury In Effective Secondary

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a miraculous 5-3, despite being outscored by their opponents by 30 points through nine weeks of play. The offense has yet to find its stride and is in the bottom half of the league, only averaging 278.5 yards per game. The Green Bay Packers will come to town in Week 10 and it will be no easy task to move the ball on a strong defense that is 11th in the NFL in total yards per game allowed. The tougher task will be for quarterback, Kenny Pickett, as Green Bay only allows, on average, about 196 yards per game through the air.

One of the key members of the Packers defense, Jaire Alexander, has 10 career interceptions since being drafted in 2018. He has made two Pro Bowls and is one of the most important players in the secondary, especially since the organization dealt Rasul Douglas to the Buffalo Bills before the 2023 trade deadline. Unfortunately for Green Bay, he suffered a shoulder injury that added on to his already known back ailment.

According to Head Coach Matt LaFleur, it's not looking good when it comes to Alexander's status for the game in Pittsburgh, as he missed practice on Thursday once again. He was asked by the media if there is worry regarding the cornerback's injury.

"I'd say so," LeFleur said.

This is a massive development in a game where a strong passing defense could once again prohibit the Steelers from moving the ball through the air. Alexander is the unquestioned best cover corner on the Packers, and if he is unable to play, Diontae Johnson and George Pickens will have a lot more opportunities to come up with dynamic plays.

The Packers may also be without starting safety, Rudy Ford, who was limited in practice on Thursday with a calf injury. This would also be a big loss as he has 48 tackles on the year along with two interceptions. Pickett hasn't had many dominating performances throughout his NFL career, but he might have a great opportunity to step up in a big way at home against Green Bay.

It is going to be a tough battle for the Packers secondary, even against a weaker offense in Pittsburgh. Being down your best corner after trading the other away late October could be a recipe for disaster. Pickens has been frustrated in recent weeks, but it most definitely could be a get-right game for the pass catcher. It's going to be very hard for Green Bay to double-team him with a depleted secondary.

Johnson is widely-recognized as one of the best route-runners in all of football. Add his dynamic play to a motivated Pickens and Pickett might have all day long to throw as long as the offensive line holds up. The Packers have a pass rush led by Rashan Gary, Preston Smith and Kenny Clark, so it will be pivotal to keep Pickett upright if he is going to take advantage of a banged up group from Green Bay.

Steelers Heading Into Must-Win Game Against Packers

While Pittsburgh currently sits in the AFC playoff picture and Green Bay is an NFC opponent, one has to expect the Steelers to take home a win in Week 10, and not just because they are the better team. The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals are coming up in an extremely difficult two-game stretch. Both games are on the road and a win against the Packers guarantees a winning record heading into December.

Do you think that Alexander missing Sunday's game would lead to a big game from Pickett? Let us know in the comments below!

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