Packers-Lions Inactives: Alexander Among Four Starters Out

The Green Bay Packers’ inactives list for Thursday’s game at the Detroit Lions includes some of the team’s best players.

DETROIT – The Green Bay Packers have the start of a darned good expansion team on their inactives list for Thursday’s game at the Detroit Lions.

The seven-man list includes four starters:

CB Jaire Alexander: The two-time All-Pro is inactive for the sixth time in 11 games this season. This will mark the third consecutive game that he’s been out with a shoulder injury. He’s tied for second on the team with four passes defensed. Carrington Valentine and Corey Ballentine will be the corners for a second straight game.

“CV’s a hell of a player and he’s got some things to him that you can’t teach or coach,” Packers slot defender Keisean Nixon said. “He’s just got to keep finding that. Corey Ballentine’s been playing good, too. At the end of the day, this league, the only way you can get good is getting reps in the game. Practice is one thing but when you’re against somebody else making a lot of money and a good player, that’s the only way you get better in this league. …

“I’m sure y’all see (Valentine’s) confidence. It’s through the roof right now. He’s like a little dancer. His confidence is high. When you have confidence, you play with swagger and you play good. That’s just how this league goes.”

S Rudy Ford: For the second consecutive game, the starting safety will be out with a biceps injury. Ford leads the team with two interceptions and is second with 58 tackles. Rookie Anthony Johnson will make his third start. With Darnell Savage not activated from injured reserve, Johnson will start alongside Jonathan Owens.

LB De'Vondre Campbell: Campbell suffered a stinger last week and missed most of the fourth quarter. Quay Walker will be joined by Isaiah McDuffie in the starting lineup. Because of injuries to Campbell and Walker, McDuffie will be starting for the sixth time in seven games. He’s third on the team with 53 tackles.

RB Aaron Jones: Jones suffered a sprained MCL on Sunday against the Chargers and was ruled out on Wednesday. Patrick Taylor and James Robinson will join AJ Dillon in the backfield. After rushing for 1,121 yards last year, Jones has 245 yards in 10 games this season.

WR Dontayvion Wicks: The rookie fifth-round pick is fourth on the team with 20 receptions for 331 yards. He has a team-best 16.6-yard average. Wicks suffered a concussion against the Chargers and also is nursing a knee injury. While he was listed as limited participation on Wednesday, this move was foreshadowed by the addition of Bo Melton to the roster.

TE Josiah Deguara: Deguara, the team’s unofficial fullback, had played in 43 consecutive games. He suffered a hip injury last week, wouldn’t have practiced this week and was doubtful on the injury report. The Packers elevated Henry Pearson from the practice squad; the undrafted rookie will be making his NFL debut.

OT Caleb Jones: The towering backup is inactive for a team-high ninth game.

For Detroit, the Lions are down only one starter: left guard Jonah Jackson.

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